Pros
The work can be personally rewarding, seeing the direct impact of your care on patients. Your co workers have the potential to be lifelong friendships. On most units the staff (nurses and techs) usually work very closely and establishing relationships with your co workers not only makes your job easier but has the potential to create amazing relationships. I left a few months ago and moved to another state and I am still in touch with many of the nurses and technicians I worked closely with. I was never friends with anyone in a position greater than RN, that should say SOMETHING about the management.
Cons
This may seem obvious but it needs to be considered, this job is dangerous. Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, and Sexually Dangerous. This is standard for any Psychiatric Illness, but carrier clinic in particular takes little consideration to the violence of patients and the safety of their staff. While employed I was sexually assaulted on the unit by a patient. I filed reports, talked to my charge nurse, but there was never any follow up. This situation was difficult to deal with and I received no response from my direct supervisor, no response from management and no response from HR. While employed I also was witness to many instances of severe physical violence. I have seen employees leave work after head injuries, back injuries and more. More often than major injuries are minor injuries. I have seen employees get hit in the face and have their glasses broken, MANY employees get bitten and have to receive tetanus shots, and several with scratch wounds. These injuries are minor and do not take lots of time to return to work, but you are changed. This work affects you more than just physically, it gets in your head and impacts the way you think, act, and trust others. Carrier Clinic does not have your back. They're always hoping you will downplay the incident and they wont have to deal with you anymore. They also have an extensive history of moving violent patients from unit to unit, subjecting more and more staff to violence for the purpose of retaining their insurance money. They TRULY trade your safety for money. As evidence, look no further than the recent decision to UNIONIZE all technicians at carrier clinic. If your interested in this field of work and are prepared for the dangers I would highly suggest applying to another Psychiatric facility for your own safety.