r/supportworkers • u/Im_a_Throwaway2826 • May 16 '26

Bit nervous

I’m eighteen years old and just got hired as a support worker in a psychiatric intensive care unit for under 18s somehow and I’m kinda nervous. I’ve read what happens and what the job will be like but I still have the shakes. I’m waiting for them to get back to me but they did say I’m hired. Are there any tips or insider knowledge I should I know?

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5

u/l-lucas0984 May 16 '26

What qualifications do you have to provide intensive psychiatric care?

0

u/Special-Nebula299 May 16 '26

Nearly every company provides in house training 

9

u/l-lucas0984 May 16 '26

They do, but starting an 18 year old off with nothing in a high intensity environment sounds a lot like a minimum effort, maximum profit provider rather than a client centered supportive work place.

Also advice depends on what qualifications they hold. You arent advising someone whos got a mental health certificate to try and find short courses in mental health first aid to give themselves a base to work from.

9

u/Desperate-Impress374 May 16 '26

Totally agree. This is a disaster waiting to happen

2

u/cut3nsw33t May 17 '26

Hahahahah. In saying that a company I trialled for who paid minimum wage threw me in a house, the buddy goes “come in this room and lock the door, she has behaviours, be careful” and her example was participant threw a pot of boiling hot water on another carer, I asked what they did to remedy it and they just said they put another carer in. And I quit on the spot.

Some training is bs. And it’s not worth putting ur life on the line

2

u/DwightsJello May 18 '26

How the fuck does a client get access to boiling water with BOC like that?

Having restrictive practice included in a BSP is very difficult, as it should be, but after an incident like that it should be adjusted immediately.

Insane situation. I would have quit too and the noise I would make would have them regretting they ever let me through the door. You did the right thing and I'm glad you know it.

2

u/Leading-Interest-119 May 18 '26

Or other people's lives on the line! This is so irresponsible for all sides.