More questions.......

[blakese]

Hello all, I've learned a lot from this site, apreciate all who are willing to take the time. I just finished finals and am heading out to my preceptorship,(Capstone), after spring break. Going to be at the State hospital locked ward. Did clinicals with the antisocials, will be with mostly bipolar and schizophrenics this time. Any advice on interaction, learning opportunities, warnings, advice etc. I thank you in advance for any wisdom you can impart.

[blakese]

:yeah:Okay, tomorrow is day 3 at State. LOVE IT. My preceptor and lead clinical are experienced, open, and enthusiastic about teaching. Everbody that I have been in contact with has been great. It is so interesting. So much to learn. I am so happy that I have gotten the chance to do this. The patients are a whole new learning curve for me and how cool is that. I hope that I still feel this way at the end of my assignment, because if so, I think I have found my niche. Hope everybody is having a great day. Thank you for the advice. I will keep you updated!

[Domestika]

Just my two cents, a good thing to get in the habit of is not referring to your patients as a diagnosis (ie. "bipolars" and "schizophrenics"). I know it's just semantics but I think sometimes it can shape the way you view people, and it's probably hurtful for patients who overhear themselves or others being referred to in this way. It's a habit I had to get out of right quick.

[blakese]

Not to worry Domestika, I wouldn't. Just referring to the make-up of the unit. Refer to them all as "gentlemen", or by name. I really like most of them and give respect to all of them. I have never liked the "us vs them" stuff. All the same, just have varying degrees of issues.:)

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Wear shoes that are good for running, not open toe or open heel type clogs. Do not wear sexy, flashy clothing. Patients are only human. Make sure not to be off in a solitary place or let a patient get between you and your means of egress. No easy to grab hoop earrings or piercings. Expect the unexpected.

Be nice, care about the patients and the staff, too.

After a while, take in some food for staff - bagels, donuts, veggie tray. No need to wait until the last day. The gift can help them be glad you're there, so why wait?

Follow policy. Your safety is paramount. Remember that, live that.

[blakese]

Korky,

You've pretty much quoted my instructor from last semester verbatim. (except for the food part) I actually took cinnamon rolls yesterday morning. Taking something next week also. I asked everybody my first day what the most important thing to practice was, and they all said safety. I am reminding myself constantly that things can change fast. They have a lot of safety measures in place and I follow all of them even when I am with the calmest of patients. Our guidelines as students as far as dress, behavior, and items we can have, are a lot more stringent than those at the facility. I think I would adhere to most of them even if I didn't have to. I dont see a lot of wisdom or neccessity in hoop earrings or cleavage in a locked mostly male setting.It is reasurring that most of the advice that I have gottten has been consistent. Tells me that it is all on the money. Anything else you can add would be welcome. Hope you have a great weekend! Thanks again for the advice. :)

[blakese]

To all of you that helped me out a HUGE thank you. Took NCLEX monday, shut off after 50 minutes, PASSED!!!!! (well unofficially of course). There was nowhere in the nursing community that I went to where there wasn't somebody willing to help me along the way. (and I am not that charming) I have been extremely blessed. You all are awesome.