[Galadriel724]

I just replied to the thread about least favorite, so I thought I find out everybody's favorite.
Mine are the kids in their early to mid 20's who've just had their first psychotic break and found out they're bipolar. Most despair for a while b/c they assume their lives are ruined. I love to educate them (after their thinking's cleared) about the disorder. I especially emphasize that most bipolars, once they find the right med, can lead normal lives w/ a few modifications. Specifically, being honest w/ your Dr, med compliance, a drug free lifestyle, and of course, getting enough sleep.
If they can concentrate enough to read, I give them a copy of "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. I get them on Amazon for supercheap.

[EricEnfermero]

Although I don't do psych in my nursing practice, I'm an EMT and also love working with bipolar patients. There is little that we can do therapeutically in a 20-30 minute ride to the hospital, but I enjoy the challenge of gaining trust, etc.

In the prehospital setting, it seems like we don't get a lot of 'first-timers.' I'd say we have a lot more patients that already have the diagnosis and who decided that their mood stibilizer makes them too tired, so they stop the drug. After about 3-4 weeks of no drug, we know where the story goes from here.

I've noticed that this population tends to be really intelligent, polite and respectful once things settle down a little bit.

[Tanzanite]

Although I'm only a student for now, I know I love working with demetia.

[sayitgirl]

Originally Posted by Tanzanite

Although I'm only a student for now, I know I love working with demetia.

Long term care would be ideal for you.

[Melina]

Mine are the kids in their early to mid 20's who've just had their first psychotic break and found out they're bipolar. Most despair for a while b/c they assume their lives are ruined. I love to educate them (after their thinking's cleared) about the disorder.

I wish there was someone like you around when I was diagnosed. My own struggle is what led me to psych nursing, and I met a lot of impatient, uninformed nurses and medical workers along the way. Nurses like you are so inspiring!

[margarita]

My favorite population to work with is the schizophrenics. My first job in psych nursing was at a 20 bed residential facility. The majority of residents were schizophrenics. I find them to be very genuine and easy to establish rapport. If you treat them with respect, they will like you. I find there is a minimal amount of game playing as with some other dx, such as personality disorders. I also have a huge amount of compassion for those who have to live with this illness.