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Hi, I'm doing my psych clinical right now, and I'm not sure exactly what I'm allowed to say to the patients, so I thought I would ask here. I listen to the patient's stories. I ask them about their signs and Sx of mental illness. I ask them about their medication side effects. I would also like to give them information about other things, but I don't want to exceed the scope of nursing. For instance: Is it totally inappropriate for me to say to a patient who is impoverished and facing homelessness "have you heard about Social Security Disability benefits? Why don't you ask the social worker about it to see if you are eligible?" Just knowing there is help available can relieve some of his anxiety. If I am talking to a depressed patient who has ODd 4 times because she feels hopeless about her future, and I find out she wants to be a teacher one day, can I say to her "I have heard that some state schools don't charge tuition to the mentally disabled. Why don't you ask the social worker or the schools about it?" It does give her something to be hopeful about. If I am talking to a patient who thinks recovery from major depression is impossible, can I tell them "my friend recovered from this after 3 years of therapy and meds and he's a happy person today, so some manage to do better after years of therapy and meds." I know I can't say "don't worry, you'll recover!" It doesn't feel right to withhold info that can help people when you see how helpless they are, but I don't want to exceed the scope of nursing practice either.