How do you ensure your safety as a Psych RN on an inpatient psych unit?

Due to the high potential for volatile behavior, psychiatric nurses and NPs should observe the following safety measures:

1. Communicate – let other staff know where and when you will be interacting with patients.
2. Give and receive thorough report.
3. Avoid closed / secluded environments.

What happens on a psychiatric intensive care unit?

A psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a hospital ward dedicated to the short-term management of people in an acutely disturbed phase of a serious mental disorder who cannot be safely managed in a general psychiatric ward. Core features include a high staff to patient ratio and a secure physical environment.

Why is safety important in mental health nursing?

Safety in nursing practice constitutes protecting patients from harms arising from adverse events in care such as medication errors, poor communication in handover, insufficient staffing or inadequate education on new technologies (Sherwood, 2015).

What are the biggest risks of mental health nursing?

The assessment and management of risk is a fundamental aspect of mental health nursing and must always be prioritised. The risk may be to yourself or to others and may be actual or potential. Risk categories include suicide, self-harm, violence and aggression, neglect, vulnerability, safeguarding and hazards.

What is an intensive psychiatric care unit ( IPCU )?

Introduction What is an intensive psychiatric care unit (IPCU)? An IPCU provides intensive treatment and interventions to patients who present an increased level of clinical risk and require an increased level of observation. IPCUs generally have a higher ratio of staff to patients and a locked door.

How long do patients stay in the intensive care unit?

The focus of care is to assess, treat and balance the patient’s mental health so they can return to the hospital they came from and continue their treatment in a more open environment. The average length of stay is two to four weeks. Access to these services are generally through a hospital setting or a health care professional.

Is the inpatient psychiatry unit a locked unit?

The Inpatient Psychiatry Unit is a locked unit. To enter and leave the unit, patients and visitors must press the buzzer for the door to unlock. The Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is also a locked unit. Patients and visitors need the staff to open the door to unlock it. • Belongings:A staff member will search your belongings.

Why are national minimum standards for psychiatric intensive care important?

The National Minimum Standards have influenced the successful development of psychiatric intensive care units and low secure environments in a standardised manner across the UK, whilst allowing for local creativity and innovation ultimately leading to high quality care for patients who find themselves in these environments.