Being required to do a psychiatric care plan on myself?

chevyv, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2011

I wouldn't like it much either. Matter of fact, I would lie. It's not anyone's business, including your instructor, if you take certain medications or anything else you would not like to reveal. Yep, I would lie.

ms_sgr, BSN, NP · Nov 13, 2011

Personally if it were me. I would just make up something. It's not like they will know. Don't stress yourself out.

Clovery · Nov 13, 2011

I wouldn't like it either. For my assessment lab we had to do complete health histories on each other. There were some things I chose not to mention or lie about. I agree with the PPs... just make it up if you're not comfortable revealing your personal info.

Despareux · Nov 13, 2011

I wouldn't like it either. But perhaps instead of viewing this project as an invasion of privacy, you could perceive it as a learning experience; one that helps the nurse understand the patient's perspective on private matters.

spore2008 · Nov 13, 2011

There is NO WAY I would answer this truthfully. I believe this is a very poor choice in assignments and borders on unethical.

The instructor could have you pick from an assortment of case studies. Maybe assign a movie character (think Silence of the Lambs).

This is just too much. If this happened to me, I would write a history composed of three of my closest friends.

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2011

possibly this assignment is to teach you something... your patients probably see it as an invasion of privacy when you ask them these questions too, and like every person who responded on here, they probably lie out of embarrassment.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 13, 2011

I think the assignment is really inappropriate -- and I would be looking for someone to talk to about it -- like a student advisor or administrator I trusted.

metricalpound · Nov 13, 2011

This is just wrong - you are not a patient and your instructor is not your nurse. I would file a complaint against the instructor, if the assignment is only given by that instructor; or a school complaint against that particular Nursing Department.

Your instructors have no right to know about your sexuality, your elimination patterns, or whatever else. You are there to learn, not to indulge your medical history to them.

esokitty · Nov 13, 2011

I wanted to clarify, I do understand the point of self reflection, and getting what patients might see as an invasion of privacy, but I think there are main differences:

1. Pt are seeking treatment for a condition

2. I am not evaluating patients, as my professor is evaluating me.

I've decided to be very selective about what I share. I considered making it completely out of left field (just released from 18 years inpatient treatment for schizophrenia, anyone?!) but it still makes me uncomfortable. I think I am going to write a respectful email to the head of the department. Thanks for your support and thoughts!

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2011

I wanted to clarify, I do understand the point of self reflection, and getting what patients might see as an invasion of privacy, but I think there are main differences:
1. Pt are seeking treatment for a condition
2. I am not evaluating patients, as my professor is evaluating me.
I've decided to be very selective about what I share. I considered making it completely out of left field (just released from 18 years inpatient treatment for schizophrenia, anyone?!) but it still makes me uncomfortable. I think I am going to write a respectful email to the head of the department. Thanks for your support and thoughts!

if my presumptions are right, the teacher is expecting you to either lie or leave out some information. im also assuming the teacher may not even collect them...

i could be totally wrong, maybe your instructor is a nosy whack job.. update us when you hand the assignment in as to what happened? im curious. :confused:

Trauma Columnist · Nov 13, 2011

In my psych class (which still brings terror to my mind even though it was 20 years ago), we had to write this journal of self-reflection.

Well, I'm a very private person and don't really believe I need to share my innermost feelings with a total stranger. I almost failed the class when I objected strenuously.

I ended up writing a paper instead of this dumb journal.

Personally, I know now after 20 years in nursing, that this self-reflection is not necessary. Its all about the patients, its not about us, the staff.