Impatient Psychiatry

Inpatient Psychiatry at Fletcher Allen is composed of two units. One is a 16-bed locked unit that cares for both voluntarily and involuntarily admitted patients who are acutely ill. The second is a 12-bed unit that cares for voluntarily admitted patients. Our patients generally stay between 7 and 10 days. You will have the opportunity to be oriented to - and work on - both units.

We're all deeply committed to working with people with chronic mental illness. Our patient is our focus and they have the right to determine their treatment. We have less of a medical model and nurses have a lot of input. We participate in treatment rounds and have input on treatment plans. We are well-respected by our Medical Director who values nursing input. Teams are composed of LNAs, RNs, Physicians, Social Workers, Students and Activity Therapists.

We have a strong practice council that gives us the ability to change the way our unit works to improve patient care. We have strong support for Psychiatric and Mental Health certification and other forms of education. We do journal groups, and staff present inservices for fellow staff members.

For more information call Renee Dall at (802) 847-2819 or (800) 722-9922 or visit www.fletcherallen.org.

Inpatient Psychiatry

Orientation

RN orientation is a year long process, with the first 12 weeks dedicated to hospital orientation and unit-based orientation. The Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse specialist are very active and dedicated to the orientation process. During the first 10 weeks the new RN will be assigned to work with consistent preceptors to learn the routine of the unit and master organizational skills. During orientation the RN will become proficient in the care and communication of patients with mental illness in a psychiatric care setting.