first psych clinical tomorrow - - really nervous, need help

kfarinato · Sep 20, 2009

I am 3 weeks into my psych rotation. I was petrified of being locked in, of possibly saying the wrong thing, and every other what if possible. For the first 2 days my classmates and I stuck together. Now we are much more comfortable. A key thing is if you feel uncomfortable walk away! You will be fine, and hopefully the facility that you are going to has/allows you to go to Group meetings- I found this helped us get to know the patients better, and there is a staff person there with you.

Good Luck!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 20, 2009

Mental health institutions are not like what you see in the movies, where every single patient is psychotic, dangerous and/or wearing a straightjacket, and is being kept their against their will. Yes, there are involuntary admits and the psychotic/dangerous about, but a good number of patients in mental health institutions are actually high-functioning people (or could be) who are dealing with some problems and who voluntarily admitted themselves...

So try to relax. Patients do pick up on it if you're terrified out of your wits. If you're uncomfortable for any reason though, step back a bit and find another classmate to partner with, or let your CI know how you are feeling.

Remember your therapeutic communication. It's VERY important.

Accept that psych nursing is not like med-surg nursing where one procedure/medication/Band-Aid/day's rest is going to fix them right up or even cause them to show any improvement, but that their recovery is a continual and often gradual process.

Treat all patients with respect--the fact that a patient is in a mental health facility doesn't make them any less of a human being.

Be nonjudgemental. It may be very hard for you to do depending on the patient's diagnosis or what they've done to land themselves here...but it's not your place to judge them.

If you have any questions about a patient, seek out a nurse or tech.

It's a good idea to let someone (your CI, the staff, or your classmates) know where you are at all times, particularly if you are going to be out of common areas and/or not easily visible to everyone.

And NEVER let yourself be alone with a patient behind closed doors. No, they probably won't harm you (though there is always a chance they could)...but they could also accuse you of doing or saying something to them that you didn't. Any patient accusation has to be investigated...and if it was just you and the patient without any witnesses, then it boils down to your word against theirs. And that could end up reflecting poorly on you.