HOPE IS HERE Q
: I have wanted to be a nurse my whole life, and I always pictured myself in the ER or the OR--you know, how you think of nursing from TV when you’re young. But a close friend of mine has been struggling with anorexia for years, and she’s doing a lot better now because she’s been in treatment. She talks all the time about how important her nurses have been to her recovery, and I don’t know ... I just think I could see myself working with people in a mental health and/or behavioral health treatment center. But what is that like, and does it require different skills than other kinds of nursing? What are the challenges?
A
: First of all, I’m so glad to hear that your friend is doing well in recovery. As a nurse, some of our most rewarding moments are when our patients tell us that we’ve had an impact. I can remember very clearly the first time a person ever told me, “Thank you for giving me my life back!” And I’ll say there are definitely some very specific differences in this type of nursing. We’re working with families at what may be the most difficult time in their lives, and it’s so powerful to see the patient sort of revive, both emotionally and mentally. Our patients come to us in distress. Most of them are suicidal or are so depressed that they are not functioning well physically or mentally. Their relationships are suffering. Many of our patients, whether children or adults, need support for how to handle their own mood fluctuations. This requires a nurse who is emotionally stable, very mentally strong themselves, and fully able to adapt to others’ behavior quickly and confidently. We have to trust our instincts and develop the skills to help predict and alleviate any triggers to the patient, such as a difficult phone call or family session. As a nurse of psychiatric treatment, you need to possess integrity, character, patience and sensitivity. And, of course, no matter what field of nursing you go into, a sense of humor helps! In this environment, a nurse must be empathetic, but at the same time stern and not wavering due to the crisis state we see most of our patients in. One of the biggest challenges is seeing that a patient needs help because they are a
A psychiatric and behavioral health professional from Rivendell answers your questions
risk of danger to themselves or others and the patient themselves not realizing it. The flip side of that is seeing that, within just a few days of being here, the patient who was admitted tearful, sad or angry is now smiling and actively participating in treatment. Rivendell, of course, provides for
nurses financially through salaries, benefits, bonus plans, etc., but the most rewarding part of my job as a psychiatric nurse at this facility is watching excellent quality care change a person’s life. We certainly aren’t the largest behavioral health hospital, but we are definitely one of the best! Our clinical outcomes
are outstanding! According to the Basis 32, a national survey on clinical quality indicators, our adult patients typically come to us sicker than they do to other hospitals and they leave more healed than those at other hospitals. That’s my goal! Healing those who are hurting emotionally. n
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Peace through transition INPATIENT CARE
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