How to do mental health nursing?

Larry77, RN · Dec 23, 2003

This is a huge question...need more specific question...?

What kind of mental issues/illness?

What symptoms?

a-rose · Dec 24, 2003

Hehe, I want to know many kind of mental issues/illness.

Thank you!

Liddle Noodnik · Dec 24, 2003

I think the best approach to mental health nursing is to realize that "they" are not so different from "us". There's a fine line between sanity and mental illness, I for one have crossed over the line and back again a few times, and there's nothing worse than a caregiver who is fake or thinks he/she is above me.

Good luck!

sanakruz, ADN · Dec 24, 2003

I think this is a good question a-rose. I have read that in China the menta health system is very arcaic and those with a mental illness tend to be treated like they have commited a crime.

Nurse them as you would anyone trying to cope with a serious life changing illness. All nursing principles apply to a mentally ill individual too.

prmenrs, RN · Dec 24, 2003

There are many different kinds of psychiatric (or mental) illnesses. Current thinking is that many are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Treatment is medication and counseling.

You might look for a textbook on Psychiatric Nursing on amazon--you could probably get a used one, not too expensive. That would help you with the terminology used for the disorders, medications, and what the nurse does for that problem.

I think a lot of it is based on communication. You have to help the patient tell you what he or she is thinking.

I hope that helps.

mimslaru · Dec 26, 2003

Much depends on the diagnosis and what behaviors and feelings the person is experiencing.

A major issue when treating mental health is trust. Being trusted by the patient is a challenge because many patients are distrustful based on experiences, diagnoses or a combination.

Listening carefully to what is being said verbally and observing the non verbal behaviors may provide clues that aide in treatment.

A combination of treatment methods based on individual details is usually the result.

diana_42431 · Jan 16, 2004

Originally posted by a-rose
How to do mental nursing?
When your patient has some mental problems, how do you nurse one?

I am a Clinical Social Worker, I see way too many nurses concerning themselves with mental health issues beyond the scope of their practice.....just nurse your pt. as you would any other....leave the mental issues to those who have been properly trained.

zenman · Jan 30, 2004

Posted by diana_42431
I am a Clinical Social Worker, I see way too many nurses concerning themselves with mental health issues beyond the scope of their practice.....just nurse your pt. as you would any other....leave the mental issues to those who have been properly trained.

Let me give you some "slap therapy, Reality Therapy, or whatever you want to call it. Most of the real therapy probably occurs with the caring nurses. That's called "nursing your patient as you would any other." I see too many highly educated "properly trained" psych professionals who are not only in the field for their own therapy, but just can't get out of the clouds long enough to realize what really matters. You feel more realistic now? :cool:

PsychoRN · Jan 30, 2004

Originally posted by diana_42431
I am a Clinical Social Worker, I see way too many nurses concerning themselves with mental health issues beyond the scope of their practice.....just nurse your pt. as you would any other....leave the mental issues to those who have been properly trained.

EXCUSE ME!!!!!! Just what makes you think that nurses aren't properly trained to work with patients with mental health issues???? Do you have any concept of the education nurses receive???? Do you have any concept of the specialized education and training psychiatric nurses receive???? Your are obviously suffering from delusions of grandeur!!!!! Get some help!!!!!

Frankcah · Jan 30, 2004

The question is simple, the answer is simple, listen & be supportive to the patient, :kiss

diana_42431 · Jan 30, 2004

Apparently the person asking the orginal question, 'how do you do mental health nursing' isn't quailfied or they wouldn't have to ask. I am aware that advanced nurse practitioners have education to work well with mental illnessess....I am not reffering to those..it is such as AD nurses who want to work outside of their scope..diagnose patients, prescribe meds, ect...and hide behind the doctor on the other end of the phone...these are the ones who annoy me to no end...as for mental health professionals having issues..there is some validity to that...however the number of codependent and alcoholic nurses is amazing indeed.