My Positive Experience as a Third Year Psy. Nursing Student

I am a third year psychiatric nursing student and just had an amazing experience. When I was in first year my very first placement was in the Adult Mental Health Unit where I came across an unwell elderly lady. She was extremely depressed and anxious, she could hardly talk and would never leave her bed area. I was really nervous on my first placement but because I am used to working in a nursing home I take quickly to older people so I spent a lot of time with her. Encouraging her in her adl's, she ate so little, got her to go on little walks and kept talking to her, etc - at the time I didn't think anything I was doing was of much use, she was really in a bad place.

Today I am working in a treatment center, it is a half way between hospital and home, preventing hospital admission or allowing time before going home. They also do a day care service, like a day center. I met this lady today and was shocked to see her so well, being so bright in herself and talkative. I was most impressed that she remembered me and the little things I did with her. She thanked me and then spoke about how I had changed my hair . We had the best chat about how well she is doing. living on her own, cooking etc.

I guess it is just a bit of inspiration. That people can get well, that they do appreciate what you do even if I feels really small nothing but most importantly when someone is in a bad place and seem really withdrawn it doesn't mean they don't take in what is going on around them and remember you. I am just so happy at the moment, makes the struggle with study and assignments worthwhile.