shutthedoortwo

I am a mental health nurse with more than 25 years experience. My son has schizophrenia and he is wonderful , intelligent person . Good luck to both of you. Don't let anyone try to scare you off with concerns about long term prognosis. Check out Patricia Deegan for a realistic outlook on recovery.

Its different in the United States ,compared to Canada or Australia. I am not sure that this is a task that is within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant. A registered nurse who delegates tasks to non-professional nursing staff is legally accountable for any problems which may arise. I personally wouldn't delegate this task.

HI Donna, The masters degree is two years and NP's scope of practice includes prescribing , admitting , discharging , which are not in the scope of practice of a clinical nurse specialist. There is a shortage of nurses here, in australia . I am a recent immigrant from Canada and don't know firsthand about the relationship between the MDs and RNs. From what I have been told it is not much different than Canada. The AMA ( Australian Medical Association) position on NP is not supportive, if that answers your question.

First of all what is a CNA? I have never heard of anyone else except a psychiatrist or a nurse performing an AIMS screen on patient. It has several components and is more complex assessment than taking vitals and weights. An AIMS testing is looking for serious side effects ( movement disorders ) from antipsychotic medications and some of the side effects like tardive dyskinesia are permanent. What kind of liabilty insurance do you have?

HI Donna, I am studying in an Masters of advanced practice nursing at the University of Melbourne. There are currently two streams : one qualification is to become a Nurse Practitioner and the other is Advance Practice Nurse. The NP stream is the same as the advanced practice stream but requires a two part pharmacology component. I am in mental health and there is a push towards NPs in that field as well as other medical fields. I haven't decided yet whether or not become a NP or actually continue towards a PHd.

Hi , It must have been a very difficult time for you . Thank you for your words of wisdom. Please pass on my message to anyone you know . I am really looking at connecting with others who have been in the same situation . debi:bow:

Hi , I have been a mental health nurse for > twenty years. My son was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was actually admitted to the same psych unit where I worked. I was wondering if there are any others like me out there? Love to trade stories.

Hi I am in Melbourne, going to uni and working too .