TheNew1

Hey yall, I have an opportunity to apply for a job as a nursing assistant or peer support specialist at a local mental health facility. A guest speaker came to our class and provided information about the facility and the jobs available for students, as well as opportunities after we graduate. After the presentation I approached her seeking more information about applying, she said I could use her as a referral. I also divulged how I struggle with paying for medication to treat my bipolar disorder, she gave me a number to call so I could receive assistance. Upon learning about how well I have been managing my illness she also suggested I look into the position of a peer support specialist. I have decided to wait on applying until after a clinical rotation at the facility in hopes of connecting with not only the patients, but also the staff. Besides a positive attitude and desire to learn, what other things can I do during my clinical rotation that would help me stand out? Working in the psychiatric field has always been my dream and I really do feel that it is my calling. Long story short, I'd like to hear some clinical experiences (good and bad) and any extra tips to present myself in the best way possible. I look forward to your responses :)

Thank you for the support and advice, I recently started weekly therapy sessions with a counselor at the school. It's been helping a lot. We are working on time management, one of my biggest problems of last semester. My other problem is not being able to sleep, I'll be seeing a psych dr soon in hopes of finding a way to shut my brain off and be able to get my cycle more consistent. I've also been encouraged to get a job as a peer support specialist to help mentor others who struggle. I realize that I must take care of myself before I can take care of others and my counselor is helping me set up a weekly plan so I may be able to accomplish this goal. My moods still sway a bit, but overall I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. My counselor and I agree that with which a structured schedule I'll be able to take the job (if I get it) and balance school. I have a tendency to isolate myself and landing this position will help over come my anxiety to leave my house as well as "feed my soul". Mental health is my passion and I feel I'm taking steps in the right direction towards my career, my stability, and of course work experience. Thanks again for the kind words and advice!

Hey y'all, I also have bipolar disorder, type 1 rapid cycling. I've always has "issues" and knew something was not right pretty much all my life, even as a small child. 3 years ago, at age 22, I finally received my diagnosis. Although, it was a bitter pill(s) to swallow...see what I did there? ...the diagnosis provided explanations of what I had been going thru over the years. After trying a few different cocktails I have found one that works. I'm prone to mixed episodes and still struggle with organization and stress. Kudos to y'all for being able to work as nurses and still manage the disease. I have just started nursing school and was hoping for advice, since y'all have made it through. I'm extremely med compliant, but need help with just managing my illness and nursing school in general. I moved from DFW to Houston, that's been a rough adjustment alone. So any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Once again, way to go y'all!

I thought you handled it well, I don't see the problem with reminding him of the no smoking policy...getting caught smoking pot in the hospital will most definitely kill your high. As for him enjoying his pain meds a little too much, who cares? I can't blame him for loving the morphine, I was admitted to the ER for awful systemic infection. Even though my pain level wouldn't drop below a 7, I didn't have a care in the world. I don't think you were judging the patient, I think you were just giving a thorough description of his personality/habits.

Mind maps aren't silly at all, my study group would write on this huge mirror at one of our friend's house where we would study. It really helped!

Those links are awesome! Thank you!!

Hello Everybody, I am about to start my first semester of nursing school this fall, FINALLY!!!! I'm wondering what note-taking style / tools have helped yall out during nursing school, and if possible, post an example of what your notes look like. How are they formatted? How do you organize them? Colors and interesting formats help me most, I can often see things like that in my mind while test taking. Below are a few techniques I have used over the years: -My note taking styles have vairied over the years and each course. In microbiology I was able to take notes by writing with a stylus on the Notability app on my iPad. -In A&P, I tried the same approach, no dice. I wrote and highlight in my book and used oversized lined post-its to stick to the pages. It was a good way to keep up, however very onorganized. -I uploaded the power pts from lecture to my Notability app and added to things to the slides and highlighted certain info and such. Not my favorite style. -This semester I took History and Goverment, and went old school....spiraled notebooks and colored pens. Success at last! However, Im not sure if I will be able to keep up using this style in nursing school......any ideas to enhance this? Yes, I plan on recording my lectures :) Thanks in advance! Jessica