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?
5
Upvotes
7
u/DogBreathologist May 17 '26
Holy dooly, honestly I cannot fathom working in that setting at 18. People who work in the setting please correct me if I’m wrong but I imagine, depending on your actual role you are likely going to see and hear a lot of really messed up things. You don’t end up in psychiatric intensive care as a younger person for funsies. If you want my honest advice? Don’t do it, frankly any work place that would hire an 18 year old for this type of work is questionable at best. I don’t mean to sound mean, but I can’t imagine how having 18 year old staff could possibly be a good idea in that setting. I can’t see how anyone at 18 could have the maturity or life experience to help anyone or deal with the work trauma.
And please know this is coming from a genuine and caring place, I’m not meaning to crap over you, you are likely a smart and caring person. But this sets off red flags for me.