shortsheryl

In a nutshell, it is counseling, but as a nurse you would never call it that; it is called teaching as all nurses do.

I am not sure if I understand your question but I will try to answer it. Nurses cannot counsel but they can give education. As an advanced practice nurse, or MSN, you can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications but you still only provide education, not so much counseling. I hope that answers your question.

I started nursing school when I was 31 and graduated when I was 33. I felt so old, but it did not stop me. I was informed by my nursing instructor, during our clinicals at the state mental hospital, that I was an excellent candidate to work in psych. My instructor told me this when she saw how I handled my pt assignment. I am 4ft 11in and weigh about 115lbs; my pt was 6ft 4in and very psychotic but I was able to establish rapport within 10 mins of meeting him. I was also able to calm him when he was experiencing audio hallucinations. I loved that rotation and felt I fit right in. That's when my instructor set me up for an interview with the director of the mental health unit at our local hospital. I literally had the job before I graduated. Another thing, trust in yout instincts...you will know what area you fit in.

:nurse:I have only worked in Psych and I love it. I have worked in an inpatient hospital, an outptient mental health clinic, and now in the ER with a unit specifically for psych. I still love it. It is so much different than providing nursing care to those with physical health problems. It takes more than medications to help those with mental health problems; so even though a lot of times Med/Surge nurses make comments about Psych nurses doing it because they are either lazy or lack nursing skills, I completely disagree because I know I am making a difference.