Psychology Nurse Evaluates L.A. Mental Patients When They Arrive At ER
Often Los Angeles residents who deal with broken dreams, drug use, and tough times find themselves in the emergency room under a 72-hour mental evaluation. Whether the patient is transferred in or picked up for unacceptable behavior on the street, they call it a "5150". That's the code number used when mental disorder is suspected and it often results in a trip to a local hospital for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation. When a troubled patient is brought to the hospital, there is a highly trained professional who is there to receive them. Ilene Tucker, Registered Nurse, is one of those skilled professionals who provide medical assistance to save them from falling through the cracks of our society. Tucker was recently asked about her position and what path led her to her current post at the Behavioral Health Unit in Northridge Medical Center.
What made you interested in helping mental patients?
"I began my career in mental health in 1984 working at Erikson Center, a residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed adolescents. I was a LVN for 12 years, working in behavioral health before becoming an RN."
Was it hard to get certified as an RN?
"It seemed hard when I was doing it but I'm so grateful to have knuckled down and got through it as fast as I did. Now, I'm in a career path that is highly valued and well paid. My options are much broader because I have the experience and the education to qualify for the better jobs."
What is your favorite part of the job?
"I enjoy working with the adolescent population that are in-patient for a variety of different reasons. They often suffer from disorders including depression, psychosis, eating disorders, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts."
How are patients evaluated?
"Patients are brought to the hospital from other hospitals that do not have an in-patient psych unit, patients are in the ER to be medically cleared before coming to the unit. The psychiatric nurse is there to assess their physical and emotional needs. This includes medical needs as well as if they are actively suicidal, hearing voices, combative, anxious, agitated, or perhaps in withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. The nurse communicates directly with the psychiatrist and an internist, social workers, and then provides a plan of care for the patient."
What do you do to manage the stress of that kind of work?
"I have been a water polo player for over 30 years and I am also a magician member at The Magic Castle in Hollywood."
As a creative professional in Los Angeles, Cat West brings versatile skills to any topic. Whether freelancing as a writer or designing digital art from her studio, Cat provides excellent creative product with content driven artwork and photography. Examiner.com.
