Do psych nurses actually make a difference?

I feel that I have helped many pts. during my time in psych.........listening to them is a major part of being there and really helping them..........
sure, we must spend some time at the desk with paperwork and discharges, etc..but the majority of my time is spent out on the floor doing assessments and interacting with my pts..........

I feel that I have helped a lot of people who might have otherwise not been helped, both inpatient and outpatient.

There were some folks who never left the desk, and that was them. I did my assessments, charted, then went to the floor...I did everything from organizing 'American Idol' night for a group (not my choice LOL) to playing checkers with one patient for a LONG time (after which he decided I was 'safe' to talk to), in addition to the meds, crisis situations, etc...those things DO make a difference. I think some of it depends on where you work, but a lot of it depends on the individual nurse.

As a past patient in a psychiatric facility I think that if you put in the time then you definitely will make a difference. I have come so far from that time in my life and now want to help people and am training to be a nurse. i would love to get into Psych but I don't know how I would cope with it being a bit to familiar.
You guys are doing a great job!!!!