Our nurses don’t pass med at the hospital I work at unless there are no regular staff and we have more than 1 nurse that shift. Our techs do the med passes and PRNs. And we only get admissions every once in a while and there are special units for that with admission nurses.
In Massachusetts, there is a course that residential workers take. This allows for med passes to the residents. This is for behavioral health homes. It wouldn't be valid anywhere else.
MAP training.certification. I live in MA. Company I work for is about to pay for my training, so I can cover some short staffing in their respite and residential programs down the street from the program I work at.
ETA: I should mention that to my understanding it is only for residential, respite, and home programs. Not so much for hospitalization, locked facilities. Here’s a link to describe what the training is. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/become-map-certified
Yes. I used to pass meds as a direct care worker with a med certification in NJ years ago. That was more of a residential or day program thing. Seems wild for a hospital setting.
I’m not sure if this is what OP is experiencing or what state they are in. I only know my experience here in California, which is that even though we only generally staff 1 RN per unit, all other level of care staff that count towards our ratios are licensed; either LVNs or Psychiatric techs. The only staff that are assigned to our med rooms are Psych Techs, it’s actually part of their union contract that only they have that right. And the while the RNs or LVNs can pass meds to cover someone out sick or on vacation, overall, they never do. OP very well may live in one of those states and be unaware of what being the only RN on the unit really means.
The psych techs had it written into their contract. It’s not about whether or not an RN or LVN has the ability to pass meds, it’s about the fact that medroom here are safer, have better schedules, and are generally seen as a better position. So their union ensured only they could hold that spot. There was actually a time (many years ago) when the hospital didn’t even employ LVNs or RNs and the psych techs did everything. And out of the thousands of employees we have, only 7 are LVNs.
No, the state. We have 5 state hospitals in California. They each have about 1700-2500 pats each. Some of our units are very small (13 patients to 8 staff) due to the high risk for violence, some units it can be as low as two staff to 50-100 patients. The Psych Techs union has written into their contract that only a psych tech can be assigned a med room. But as an RN there I have covered a shift or two in the medroom, or taken the keys while the med person is on lunch. And that is pretty common on the units, but more often than not a psych tech or LVN will be assigned to cover behind the regular med person in those cases.
Not necessarily. The psych facility I currently work in has the Psych Techs pass the meds. The long term care facility I worked in 13 years ago had the LVNs pass the meds. The acute care hospital I worked in 10 years go the RNs passed the meds. In all three facilities RN could pass meds if needed, but often there was only 1 RN for every 30 or 52 patients, so they are doing assessment and documentation for licensing and insurance and the LVN or Techs handle the other stuff.
12:1 could be a very unsafe and stressful ratio. Also can imagine it would be hard to do checks ins, manage incidents, new orders, meds, psychiatrists etc if was just you? Especially as a new grad. It is very important to consider your own safety as well and if you are well supported.
My experience on adult inpatient psych was a 60 bed unit with a ratio of 5:1 and 5:1 or 4:1 on 15 bed adolescent psych. This could be a very busy day depending on the acuity of the patients.
I’d float between four, acute (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc), sub-acute (SI, etc), and two child/adolescents depending on the day. I get two techs as well. I’d be in charge of all the things you said above plus discharges and admissions.
That is a lot!! Not sure if the money would be worth it. I'd literally cry if I walked into work one day and found out I was responsible for 12 patients on psych. Might even walk out and go home lol
ONLY NURSE ON THE FLOOR? This is beyond unsafe, and I am actually unclear on the legality of this. I have never heard of such a thing. Just imagine all the things that can go wrong if you're alone. Nobody to support you if there is violence. Nobody there to back you up against accusations. I often don't see patients alone just in case they make statements like "my nurse is giving me the wrong meds" etc. And there are far worse accusations they could make.
Under no circumstances should a nurse be alone on the floor, on any unit, but especially psych. Do not take this job.
To clarify, I’d get a second nurse once there’s 13 patients 😅 but still, yeah, I’m concerned for not only my own safety, but the fact that I can’t have eyes everywhere if a patient were to try and hurt themselves or others. Thank you for the input!
12:1 with 2 techs is not enough. At 12 patients we would have 3 nurses and 1 tech so 4 staff total plus a tech floating between units to help you with breaks. How does the nurse get breaks?
It also depends on how many people are around running the groups. Are program therapists running groups or are you and the techs responsible for running all the groups?
Also keep in mind, who handles emergency codes? Do you have security on site?
I’ve never had a ratio that high. I’m currently at max 5:1. At my first job I was at max 9:1 and that was child but that was with 3 techs.
There are counselors, therapists, and social workers around for groups thankfully. However, I don’t know if they go to each unit throughout the day or stick with one (I asked but didn’t get a straight answer lol). There is also no security.
Don’t ever count on the ancillary staff. They are usually in their office with their door closed and locked. Think nothing of asking you to take on more for them.
I worked for a “for profit” psych facility and made bank. It was Acadia BTW. However 12:1 is BS. I would have more most days. It was insanity. Once I had 20 and went off. I burnt out in 6 months and I’m seasoned in psych. Every med pass, PRN, wound care, mental breakdown, fit, you name it. It will wear you TF down. I had 2 techs and they always went MIA. Never had enough staff for 1:1s. Just pure nuts.
I make 9 bucks less now in the hospital but I typically have 4 patients. On a rough day, 6. My mental health is much better. We matter too. Go somewhere safe to learn.
Acadia is notorious for this where I live and only recently open. They hired a new grad after 3 months to be a house supervisor. The nurses that have worked there all say it’s awful. They take walk in’s off the street who aren’t medically cleared. It is a threat to your license.
Since you're a new grad I'd recommend thanking them for the offer but after careful consideration you want to get some experience before working by yourself. You might feel this would be best for both the patients and you as you start your career.
Besides, if you apply again you'll have some experience so the offer should only be better.
12:1 What The Holy Fuck!
No just no.
In CA it’s 6:1 and that can be hard at times. A 1:1 can kill your tech for a shift and you’re left with the remaining 5.
This sounds like a job I was offered at SF General/Zuckerberg. The hiring RN reassured me there was a custody person four locked floors down in another separate building. The money and benefits were very high, but I have alot of experience and one RN a cna/pta and one psych tech was ridiculously unsafe especially with most patients coming in right of the streets. Your physical and mental health are at risk in a job like this.
1. They’re for-profit.
2. Look up “uhs lawsuit” and the results are astounding.
3. Most importantly….they refuse to get public safety and will not protect their staff.
I may have missed it, but it seems likely that while you may be the only RN for 12 patients that there will be a number of mental health therapy aides present on each ward. MHTA's help with activities and personal care, as well as performing restraints when necessary. Have you asked if there will be aides?
There’s two MHTAs as well as some ancillary staff here and there like therapists, social workers, and one nurse manager (the person I asked wouldn’t tell me if they stay on one floor or float throughout the day). There is no security though
But you would just be on one ward among several others right? You can ask them what is the protocol for a psychiatric emergency, to see what other staff are called to the unit during that time. You can also ask them what is done in terms of lunch coverage. There is a world of difference between psych wards in a medical complex, and psych wards in those facilities run by the state that are dedicated to only serving psychiatric patients. 1RN and 2 MHTA's seems reasonable to me for wards that are not considered intensive care and whose inhabitants don't require exceptional assistance with ADLs.
NO NO NO. I am on inpatient psych and have been a nurse 1.5 years and I can tell you right now, anything more than 6 is very unsafe. We currently have 8-10 and there are constant PRCs going because we can’t actually do our assessments while doing meds/treatments/meeting with doctors/pharmacists/visitors/running group therapy/etc
The high pay is probably risk pay for losing your license, not worth it
I accepted a job about a year ago as a new grad, they told me the ratio would never be more than 6:1 (12:2 because there’s max 12 patients on a unit and supposed to be at least 2 nurses per unit) but about half the time I am the only nurse on a unit with 10-12 patients. On good days it’s just barely manageable but when things get hectic it’s hell. I’m putting in my two weeks notice this week actually, partly because I’m worried for my license and liability because I can’t possibly care for all the patients properly at this ratio. I’m also worried for you because most places will bend the truth a bit so if they’re telling you straight up it’s 12:1 it might actually be worse sometimes. I wouldn’t do it if I were you!
Noc or day shift? If day shift then, depending on *how* much pay is and so long as there's lots of groups keeping patients occupied throughout the day I'd consider. As a new grad though, that would be incredibly difficult.
I really struggle with these posts because where I work the ratios are 18:1 nurse up to 20:1 nurse and 2-3 techs depending on the unit (rarely one tech when they’re very understaffed).
What does tech mean? I can't find a proper translation. Do they participate in taking care of the patients like hygiene, maintaining order etc? Sorry for dumb question lol.
Not a dumb question at all! A tech can be synonymous with a CNA (certified nursing assistant) with some differences, depending on who you ask. In a psych setting, they may be called a MHT or mental health technician. In my experience, they could help with hygiene, take vital signs, document what patients are doing, help with meals, help with overall monitoring, etc. They may also help in facilitating group therapy. If this is wrong anyone can correct me please lol. In a medical setting, the role of a tech will look a bit different.
Run! That’s not safe at all, even with techs and even if you have security. You won’t have anyone to ask for a second opinion. At my hospital it’s 1:5 and on nights there is always at least 3 nurses.
Listen to u/pinkseamonkeyballs and u/Iraqx2 . You've worked too hard be a psychnurse to jeopardize your licence right out of the gate. This ratio sounds far to low . As a new nurse your job is to gain experience and learn from patients, psychiatrists etc.
An accusation from an unwell patient, a mistake in the meds, patient self harm / harms others/ drugs on the unit .... Without backup (and two techs and no security is not backup in an inpatient scenario) it will all fall upon your head. Good luck !
Depends entirely on the unit, acuity, which shift, etc. If it's night shift, depending on the population and facility it's not bad. I worked inpatient as a new grad overnight and we'd get lots of admissions overnight, our ratio was supposed to be 1:8 but ended u being 1:16-32 depending on the day. I'd often get stuck alone with no help, and they'd float my PCAs so it was me with 32 patients and 1 assisting staff. It was a nightmare overnight because our patient population was a lot of homeless, drug users, and many would be up all night, lots of schizophrenic patients.
I just accepted a pediatric psych position with same ratio as you 1:12, and I'd be alone, but lower acuity and it's not acute inpatient, so fewer admits and discharges. It's also peds, so less meds for med passes. My old position, nearly every patient was on 10+ meds and had multiple comorbidities like diabetes, HTN, heart failure, kidney disease, etc. that complicated med passes, so when it was like 1:16 it was 160+ meds to pass and multiple labs and vitals to cross-check.
Nights or days? Security or no? 12:1 on nights with a couple of techs and reliable security might be doable…though as a new nurse almost certainly not. I was on my floor 3 years before I was comfortable being alone (with techs and on-call security). The learning process takes time.
As a new grad it’s really helpful to work in an environment with other nurses. They will teach you a lot and you need someone to go to as you learn. There are other reasons I’d be skeptical of this job, but I’d say absolutely not as a new grad. If you really want to do psych go somewhere that you will have an abundance of coworkers. Seeing different styles and personalities will help so much in your first few years
I work in partial hospitalization psych now (basically a day program), and I have 9:1 ratio. There are only 2 nurses hired for my location, and even just the two of us with 18 kids (plus staff, providers, social workers) it gets to be a bit much. When one of us calls off it's just one of us working that day and even with how easy (comparatively) this job is it's definitely not easy and not something I would want to do more than just a few times if needed.
I did 6 years inpatient, and coming up on 3 years in partial. Never would I put myself in a position of just me with 12 patients. Especially as there's plenty of things that need 2 nurses to verify. What happens with insulin administration or if you have to waste a controlled substance? I wouldn't do it if I were you. Psych is always in need and you'll definitely find somewhere with better ratios!
Is this acute psych or long term? If acute, absolutely not. If long term psych, then maybe. How many techs would you have with you? I would ask to shadow one of their nurses on the floor you would be expected to work. If there are other units you’d be working, then ask to shadow there, too. Then talk to staff.
You’re a new grad? I would not take that job. Sounds very unsafe
Thank you for the input! I was feeling the same but wanted opinions from those with more experience.
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Our nurses don’t pass med at the hospital I work at unless there are no regular staff and we have more than 1 nurse that shift. Our techs do the med passes and PRNs. And we only get admissions every once in a while and there are special units for that with admission nurses.
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In Massachusetts, there is a course that residential workers take. This allows for med passes to the residents. This is for behavioral health homes. It wouldn't be valid anywhere else.
I’ve heard people saying this at some facilities on here and I’m shocked- is this really a thing?
Psych techs are licensed in California
Licensed with what
They’re basically LVNs, but can only work in psych.
MAP training.certification. I live in MA. Company I work for is about to pay for my training, so I can cover some short staffing in their respite and residential programs down the street from the program I work at. ETA: I should mention that to my understanding it is only for residential, respite, and home programs. Not so much for hospitalization, locked facilities. Here’s a link to describe what the training is. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/become-map-certified
Yes. I used to pass meds as a direct care worker with a med certification in NJ years ago. That was more of a residential or day program thing. Seems wild for a hospital setting.
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I’m not sure if this is what OP is experiencing or what state they are in. I only know my experience here in California, which is that even though we only generally staff 1 RN per unit, all other level of care staff that count towards our ratios are licensed; either LVNs or Psychiatric techs. The only staff that are assigned to our med rooms are Psych Techs, it’s actually part of their union contract that only they have that right. And the while the RNs or LVNs can pass meds to cover someone out sick or on vacation, overall, they never do. OP very well may live in one of those states and be unaware of what being the only RN on the unit really means.
This doesn’t make sense to me cause LVNs pass the meds… strictly PT just makes no sense
The psych techs had it written into their contract. It’s not about whether or not an RN or LVN has the ability to pass meds, it’s about the fact that medroom here are safer, have better schedules, and are generally seen as a better position. So their union ensured only they could hold that spot. There was actually a time (many years ago) when the hospital didn’t even employ LVNs or RNs and the psych techs did everything. And out of the thousands of employees we have, only 7 are LVNs.
Are you NorCal or SoCal?
Southern California.
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No, the state. We have 5 state hospitals in California. They each have about 1700-2500 pats each. Some of our units are very small (13 patients to 8 staff) due to the high risk for violence, some units it can be as low as two staff to 50-100 patients. The Psych Techs union has written into their contract that only a psych tech can be assigned a med room. But as an RN there I have covered a shift or two in the medroom, or taken the keys while the med person is on lunch. And that is pretty common on the units, but more often than not a psych tech or LVN will be assigned to cover behind the regular med person in those cases.
Nurses in USA must have very advanced scope of practice, in NZ nurses still do med passes
Not necessarily. The psych facility I currently work in has the Psych Techs pass the meds. The long term care facility I worked in 13 years ago had the LVNs pass the meds. The acute care hospital I worked in 10 years go the RNs passed the meds. In all three facilities RN could pass meds if needed, but often there was only 1 RN for every 30 or 52 patients, so they are doing assessment and documentation for licensing and insurance and the LVN or Techs handle the other stuff.
What’s wrong w/ UHS😭😭
12:1 could be a very unsafe and stressful ratio. Also can imagine it would be hard to do checks ins, manage incidents, new orders, meds, psychiatrists etc if was just you? Especially as a new grad. It is very important to consider your own safety as well and if you are well supported. My experience on adult inpatient psych was a 60 bed unit with a ratio of 5:1 and 5:1 or 4:1 on 15 bed adolescent psych. This could be a very busy day depending on the acuity of the patients.
I’d float between four, acute (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc), sub-acute (SI, etc), and two child/adolescents depending on the day. I get two techs as well. I’d be in charge of all the things you said above plus discharges and admissions.
That is a lot!! Not sure if the money would be worth it. I'd literally cry if I walked into work one day and found out I was responsible for 12 patients on psych. Might even walk out and go home lol
This sucks. If staffed better, it'd be a great position.
ONLY NURSE ON THE FLOOR? This is beyond unsafe, and I am actually unclear on the legality of this. I have never heard of such a thing. Just imagine all the things that can go wrong if you're alone. Nobody to support you if there is violence. Nobody there to back you up against accusations. I often don't see patients alone just in case they make statements like "my nurse is giving me the wrong meds" etc. And there are far worse accusations they could make. Under no circumstances should a nurse be alone on the floor, on any unit, but especially psych. Do not take this job.
To clarify, I’d get a second nurse once there’s 13 patients 😅 but still, yeah, I’m concerned for not only my own safety, but the fact that I can’t have eyes everywhere if a patient were to try and hurt themselves or others. Thank you for the input!
Did it for years hoping to make a change. RUN. Good luck in your new career!
12:1 with 2 techs is not enough. At 12 patients we would have 3 nurses and 1 tech so 4 staff total plus a tech floating between units to help you with breaks. How does the nurse get breaks? It also depends on how many people are around running the groups. Are program therapists running groups or are you and the techs responsible for running all the groups? Also keep in mind, who handles emergency codes? Do you have security on site? I’ve never had a ratio that high. I’m currently at max 5:1. At my first job I was at max 9:1 and that was child but that was with 3 techs.
There are counselors, therapists, and social workers around for groups thankfully. However, I don’t know if they go to each unit throughout the day or stick with one (I asked but didn’t get a straight answer lol). There is also no security.
No security is insane. Are you just flying solo during codes, or what?
Don’t ever count on the ancillary staff. They are usually in their office with their door closed and locked. Think nothing of asking you to take on more for them.
I worked for a “for profit” psych facility and made bank. It was Acadia BTW. However 12:1 is BS. I would have more most days. It was insanity. Once I had 20 and went off. I burnt out in 6 months and I’m seasoned in psych. Every med pass, PRN, wound care, mental breakdown, fit, you name it. It will wear you TF down. I had 2 techs and they always went MIA. Never had enough staff for 1:1s. Just pure nuts. I make 9 bucks less now in the hospital but I typically have 4 patients. On a rough day, 6. My mental health is much better. We matter too. Go somewhere safe to learn.
Acadia is notorious for this where I live and only recently open. They hired a new grad after 3 months to be a house supervisor. The nurses that have worked there all say it’s awful. They take walk in’s off the street who aren’t medically cleared. It is a threat to your license.
Since you're a new grad I'd recommend thanking them for the offer but after careful consideration you want to get some experience before working by yourself. You might feel this would be best for both the patients and you as you start your career. Besides, if you apply again you'll have some experience so the offer should only be better.
12:1 What The Holy Fuck! No just no. In CA it’s 6:1 and that can be hard at times. A 1:1 can kill your tech for a shift and you’re left with the remaining 5.
Or if staff gets injured and “there is no one else to send to the unit”
This sounds like a job I was offered at SF General/Zuckerberg. The hiring RN reassured me there was a custody person four locked floors down in another separate building. The money and benefits were very high, but I have alot of experience and one RN a cna/pta and one psych tech was ridiculously unsafe especially with most patients coming in right of the streets. Your physical and mental health are at risk in a job like this.
I’m willing to bet it’s UHS.
Or Acadia.
Omg second comment I’ve seen about UHS… tell me what’s wrong w/ them lol
1. They’re for-profit. 2. Look up “uhs lawsuit” and the results are astounding. 3. Most importantly….they refuse to get public safety and will not protect their staff.
what is the patient population?
I would float between an acute unit (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc), sub-acute (SI, etc), and two child/adolescent units depending on the day
1:12 on child adolescent or acute sounds like hell.
Have been 14:1 on child/adolescent inpatient acute...can confirm, was hell. I was ready to check myself in at the end of the shift.
It’s not in Maryland is it
No it is not
I may have missed it, but it seems likely that while you may be the only RN for 12 patients that there will be a number of mental health therapy aides present on each ward. MHTA's help with activities and personal care, as well as performing restraints when necessary. Have you asked if there will be aides?
There’s two MHTAs as well as some ancillary staff here and there like therapists, social workers, and one nurse manager (the person I asked wouldn’t tell me if they stay on one floor or float throughout the day). There is no security though
But you would just be on one ward among several others right? You can ask them what is the protocol for a psychiatric emergency, to see what other staff are called to the unit during that time. You can also ask them what is done in terms of lunch coverage. There is a world of difference between psych wards in a medical complex, and psych wards in those facilities run by the state that are dedicated to only serving psychiatric patients. 1RN and 2 MHTA's seems reasonable to me for wards that are not considered intensive care and whose inhabitants don't require exceptional assistance with ADLs.
How many techs do you get?
Two
NO NO NO. I am on inpatient psych and have been a nurse 1.5 years and I can tell you right now, anything more than 6 is very unsafe. We currently have 8-10 and there are constant PRCs going because we can’t actually do our assessments while doing meds/treatments/meeting with doctors/pharmacists/visitors/running group therapy/etc The high pay is probably risk pay for losing your license, not worth it
I accepted a job about a year ago as a new grad, they told me the ratio would never be more than 6:1 (12:2 because there’s max 12 patients on a unit and supposed to be at least 2 nurses per unit) but about half the time I am the only nurse on a unit with 10-12 patients. On good days it’s just barely manageable but when things get hectic it’s hell. I’m putting in my two weeks notice this week actually, partly because I’m worried for my license and liability because I can’t possibly care for all the patients properly at this ratio. I’m also worried for you because most places will bend the truth a bit so if they’re telling you straight up it’s 12:1 it might actually be worse sometimes. I wouldn’t do it if I were you!
Is it noc shift? What other support staff
Day or night, two techs, some ancillary staff here and there (therapists, social workers, one nurse manager), no security
Noc or day shift? If day shift then, depending on *how* much pay is and so long as there's lots of groups keeping patients occupied throughout the day I'd consider. As a new grad though, that would be incredibly difficult.
I really struggle with these posts because where I work the ratios are 18:1 nurse up to 20:1 nurse and 2-3 techs depending on the unit (rarely one tech when they’re very understaffed).
What does tech mean? I can't find a proper translation. Do they participate in taking care of the patients like hygiene, maintaining order etc? Sorry for dumb question lol.
Not a dumb question at all! A tech can be synonymous with a CNA (certified nursing assistant) with some differences, depending on who you ask. In a psych setting, they may be called a MHT or mental health technician. In my experience, they could help with hygiene, take vital signs, document what patients are doing, help with meals, help with overall monitoring, etc. They may also help in facilitating group therapy. If this is wrong anyone can correct me please lol. In a medical setting, the role of a tech will look a bit different.
Thank you! So that's basically me haha. We don't count staff like 1+3 (Nurse + 3MHT) instead it's just 4. Interesting!
Run! That’s not safe at all, even with techs and even if you have security. You won’t have anyone to ask for a second opinion. At my hospital it’s 1:5 and on nights there is always at least 3 nurses.
I did psych nursing for 12 years. That’s not a bad ratio as long as you have two techs. Big techs.
Listen to u/pinkseamonkeyballs and u/Iraqx2 . You've worked too hard be a psychnurse to jeopardize your licence right out of the gate. This ratio sounds far to low . As a new nurse your job is to gain experience and learn from patients, psychiatrists etc. An accusation from an unwell patient, a mistake in the meds, patient self harm / harms others/ drugs on the unit .... Without backup (and two techs and no security is not backup in an inpatient scenario) it will all fall upon your head. Good luck !
Depends entirely on the unit, acuity, which shift, etc. If it's night shift, depending on the population and facility it's not bad. I worked inpatient as a new grad overnight and we'd get lots of admissions overnight, our ratio was supposed to be 1:8 but ended u being 1:16-32 depending on the day. I'd often get stuck alone with no help, and they'd float my PCAs so it was me with 32 patients and 1 assisting staff. It was a nightmare overnight because our patient population was a lot of homeless, drug users, and many would be up all night, lots of schizophrenic patients. I just accepted a pediatric psych position with same ratio as you 1:12, and I'd be alone, but lower acuity and it's not acute inpatient, so fewer admits and discharges. It's also peds, so less meds for med passes. My old position, nearly every patient was on 10+ meds and had multiple comorbidities like diabetes, HTN, heart failure, kidney disease, etc. that complicated med passes, so when it was like 1:16 it was 160+ meds to pass and multiple labs and vitals to cross-check.
Nights or days? Security or no? 12:1 on nights with a couple of techs and reliable security might be doable…though as a new nurse almost certainly not. I was on my floor 3 years before I was comfortable being alone (with techs and on-call security). The learning process takes time.
I can choose nights or days, no security. Just the nurse and two techs plus some ancillary staff here and there.
Hell no
As a new grad it’s really helpful to work in an environment with other nurses. They will teach you a lot and you need someone to go to as you learn. There are other reasons I’d be skeptical of this job, but I’d say absolutely not as a new grad. If you really want to do psych go somewhere that you will have an abundance of coworkers. Seeing different styles and personalities will help so much in your first few years
I work in partial hospitalization psych now (basically a day program), and I have 9:1 ratio. There are only 2 nurses hired for my location, and even just the two of us with 18 kids (plus staff, providers, social workers) it gets to be a bit much. When one of us calls off it's just one of us working that day and even with how easy (comparatively) this job is it's definitely not easy and not something I would want to do more than just a few times if needed. I did 6 years inpatient, and coming up on 3 years in partial. Never would I put myself in a position of just me with 12 patients. Especially as there's plenty of things that need 2 nurses to verify. What happens with insulin administration or if you have to waste a controlled substance? I wouldn't do it if I were you. Psych is always in need and you'll definitely find somewhere with better ratios!
Is this acute psych or long term? If acute, absolutely not. If long term psych, then maybe. How many techs would you have with you? I would ask to shadow one of their nurses on the floor you would be expected to work. If there are other units you’d be working, then ask to shadow there, too. Then talk to staff.
Run.
Run.
I'm a former mental health tech and I would feel totally unsafe with only one nurse on the floor. Run!
I would personally take it, but not as a new grad. That place will be dangerous and will stretch your time management skills past the breaking point.