Need advice re: preparing to apply for psych. position...

[Tracy91]

Hi! I'm an assc. degree RN with 20+ years experience. I've been on medical leave from my Cardiac Tele position for over 2 years due to multiple hip & knee surgeries, and although I'm probably going to be cleared soon to return to work, it's obvious that the days of 12hr. shifts on my feet are over. I'm interested in finding a position in a psych. facility, and need suggestions re: updating my knowledge and skills, and making myself as desirable a candidate as possible (short of getting a BSN and specialty certs; not enough time). I was a Psychiatric Technician for 10 years before nursing school & worked in all kinds of facilities; I'm comfortable in all venues, and hope that my prior experience will work in my favor. Are there any psych. nurses, facility HR people, or nursing instructors out there who can offer some advice? Thank you very much!

[Frankreich]

Since you have 10 years work experiences as a (MHT) in a psych facility you must be aware that many patients are unpredictable, have poor impulse control and a history of attacking other patients and staff members. The makeup of the population in most psych units are generally psychotic younger males with a major psychiatric diagnosis and a co-occurring substance abuse dx.

How will you be able to assist physically and handle these episodes? Will you be able to move quick enough to assist in handling an assault?

Your physical challenges may get in your way working with psychotic patients. You don't want to be seen as the "weak link in the chain"