Best journal for psych nurses?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hi Nurse Beth,

I have worked hard core mental health nursing for 10 years at the state. A lot of take downs we followed pro-act principles and had a lot of patients on clozaril. Also worked 7 years at a methadone clinic. Can you recommend a Psychiatric monthly magazine that can help me with my skills? I am a diploma nurse graduated in 1985. Worked as a LPN prior for to this for 5 years. Worked 10 years in med-surg prior to psych and addiction. Love Psych! 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Loves Psych,

Consider joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Membership includes the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (JAPNA).

As a psych nurse, your patients often can't tell you what's wrong. Learning to ask the right questions, reading non-verbal cues, establishing trust, communicating empathy- these are all important soft skills essential to assessing your patient.

You referenced Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro Act) which gives you tools for problem-solving and de-escalation in emergencies  and offers instructor certification.

Online continuing education is available for a lot of topics, including medication. Psychotropics, medication management and side effects are a big subject in and of themselves.

There is an addictions nursing forum and a psychiatric nursing forum here where I hope you'll post and network with colleagues.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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