Monday, April 16, 2012

Psyched?

I start my psych rotation this week which I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, psych is near and dear to my heart. I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology which I chose to pursue because I wanted to "help people." Little did I know this degree was more about doing/reading research, statistics and blah blah boring stuff. I really feel like it didn't prepare me to communicate or care for people with mental health needs. Luckily for me, I finally figured out my life and discovered that nursing was the ticket! I actually get to care for people on SO many levels. Essentially, every patient is a psych patient. Any patient can be dealing with anxiety with hospitalization or depression with a medical diagnosis or have had a traumatic past or even quirky family dynamic. I am such a strong believer in mental health and that it is just as important as one's physical health. I am so excited to be learning how to communicate therapeutically, which I find to be a challenge, but the awesome kind of rewarding challenge. I think everyone should learn how to do this. I hope that it will enrich my personal relationships and the patients I care for.

On the other hand, the patients in the psych unit are there for very specific reasons:

a. They are a danger to themselves
b. They are a danger to others
c. They are gravely disabled (unable to procure food, clothing and shelter due to a mental disorder)

And well, when faculty talk about the potential to be attacked by "violent, homicidal patients" or you are required to watch videos on how to get out of a choke hold, or read articles like this, I tend to get a little nervous. I am not even allowed to take a pen or pencil into the unit. Really.

I'm sure that if all the rules are followed, it will be a great learning experience. I wish I could say that I will be updating about my experiences, but psych is such a sensitive and confidential topic that I will not be posting or discussing my adventures. I will however probably be blogging more on just psychology because its good stuff. I just wanted to document more of my nursing school journey!! Wish me luck!