mag48293

Let me also direct you to the thread lower on the Psych Nusring forum entitled "I'm in trouble B/C of borderline" Some very good insight and 'clues' there!

I didn't mean to offend you in any way, it's just a very real part of Psych Nursing. I'm sure your patients percieve you as kind and caring. The problem is that the patient must also percieve you as 'matter of fact', 'not easily manipulated', and somewhat 'detached'. That can sound contrary, but a patient who has Borderline Personality traits, even if not on their 'official' diagnosis, almost has a sixth sense about who is a 'softy'......you can also see how 'kind and caring' can be percieved as a 'softy'. It's really great to care about your patients and genuinely want to help them. However, sometimes the 'best' help you can give them is matter of fact, not at all nasty, 'reality check' on the situation. Such as, "it sounds like your unhappy with treatment you recieved from Nurse X, why don't we go and speak with her about it and you can tell her how you feel." While maintaining a very NEUTRAL position, letting the patient know that you're not in the business of 'taking sides', just willing to assist her in 'solving her own problem. Please don't take this situation personally. I doubt if any Nurse who has worked Psych hasn't at some time, early in their career, been sucked into an uncomfortable situation by a BPD pt! I'm not siding with your Charge Nurse, but perhaps she's seen this situation play itself out umpteen times, or was just having a bad day herself. Psych, unlike some of the stereotypes suggest, can be a very stressful job. I do wish you well in your Psych career. Try to chalk this up to a learning experience.

I've been in Psych Nursing a long time. BPD is the toughest type of pt for staff. I do think that as you gain experience and have more time dealing with BPD, the 'answer' will jump out at you as soon as it arises! Consistency is very important in the treatment of the BPD pt. Perhaps you could have had the patient come with you to 'talk it over with the charge nurse'.......bet the pt would've declined...and that would be your first clue! Good luck with your career in Psych. It can be very rewarding, but frustrating at times too! As I'm sure you're finding out.