Psych nurses all have a mental illness

elkpark · Jul 21, 2016

I have heard similar comments in the past (and I started my psych career on the inpatient unit in a small, rural hospital where many of the staff from the other floors wouldn't ride the elevators with us -- ???). I've always just considered the source and ignored them. What's the point of engaging with someone who either a) sincerely believes that, or b) thinks that she is being clever?

WinterLilac · Jul 21, 2016

I've always just considered the source and ignored them. What's the point of engaging with someone who either a) sincerely believes that, or b) thinks that she is being clever?

Very true about considering the source. This person has been an LTC LPN her entire career so it's not like she's experienced or knowledgable about psych nursing. Thanks for your reply Elkpark.

HIPAAPotamus, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2016

I'm in school to eventually become a psych nurse, but maybe the reason that the reason you "gotta be crazy" to work in mental health is because some nurses have felt the social stigma of a psychological disorder and, rather than bury it under years of therapy, decide to move into the world and help others in the same boat.

Personally, this crazy person is out to help others in the way I wasn't helped in the past.

EKUGRAD, BSN, MSN, RN, CNS · Jul 22, 2016

My "Psych Career" began when I took a position as Intake Coordinator for an Addiction Treatment Facility. Before that, I was all ICU, ER, Flight Nurse, Level I Trauma, Military Combat Casualty Care, Paramedic, O.R.; go, go, go. Do, do, do. !!! This need to succeed was beat into my brain practically from birth by parents, teachers, military superiors, TV ads, internet ads, billboards, etc. etc., etc. My entire identity was totally defined by what I could do and how well I could do it; i.e., better than other people.

I eventually crashed and burned, almost losing my hard-earned license, my career, my family and my life. Personal morals and ethics became non-existent, as long as I was the Golden Boy and didn't get caught.

I have had several mental health diagnoses but overall, my problem was me. The sum total of my genetics, my upbringing, my life, my experiences. I found in Psych Nursing the opportunity to use this amalgamation of living to help others who, while not having identical situations, have bits and pieces that I can help them with. I am borrowing from a twelve step program here but; I share my experience, strength and hope with patients entrusted to my care. The essence of Nursing for me has always been being able to help others who would "do" for themselves if they had these three things in their own lives; experience, strength and hope. The Psych Nurse career path started in 1992 and continues today. I have been a Registered Nurse since 1975 and currently work as a Travel Nurse at a facility for Forensic Competency Restoration. ALL of my 24 patients have serious (some very serious) mental illness diagnoses and have "allegedly" committed crimes, from trespassing to murder. My job today, my reason for being here every day is to help these tortured souls to cope with their lot in life. I cannot affect their legal proceedings but I can, and will, help them any way I can to make the most of the hand they are dealt. I will retire next year but continue my work with Veterans like me who need a helping hand.

I don't know if this answers any questions or even is on-topic. But, this is where I am, warts and all, for whatever us I can be.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2016

I always steer away from people who make statements like, "I always say." Mental health issues run the course from someone who is afraid of spiders, to psychopaths. I think we would be hard pressed to find anyone that doesn't have some sort of at least small fear or phobia. I work ICU, ER and psyche and have seen nutsy nurses in all these positions.

From my experience a person who is really mentally ill won't stay in psyche nursing very long because they aren't really there for the patients, but to help themselves. I've seen a couple who only lasted a few months. Just like all other types of nursing there are all kinds of nurses who work psyche, some are extremely well adjusted people from normal homes and some have issues of their own. It's this mix of personalities that make for a strong unit where everyone can learn and grow.

EKUGRAD, you sound like an awesome person and they are lucky to have you.

Davey Do · Jul 24, 2016

'You gotta be crazy to work in mental health!' but now she's saying it seriously.
I'd just like to hear what other psych nurses feel about these comments and if they have said anything in response?

This:

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jul 25, 2016

Psychiatric nursing is hard. I kind of think that those who can't stomach it, tend to put down those who can.

I also think, due to my own experiences, that these types of negative people are far and few between.

In my own experience, I have met negative people, but I've more often known nurses who were happy to learn that I, as a psych nurse, had an EBP solution.

That all being said.....

I do have a mental illness dx. And this fact helped me to see my pts/clients as human beings who were deserving of my empathy and good nursing care.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WinterLilac · Jul 25, 2016

Thanks for your comments and personal stories. I'd like to clarify something which, although none of you have seemed to have taken offence too, I want it added.

In my original post, I was not inferring that having a mental illness and working as a mental health nurse is negative or derogatory to the mental health field. This is what this person was inferring; "There has to be something wrong with you to work with crazy people". Small minded.

I have anxiety and to be honest, have recently had a break down. I'm recovering and have reached out for support. The response I've received from reaching out has been amazing and beautiful. People have shared their stories with me, my family, friends and colleagues have rallied around and my boss has given support and guidance. As another poster said, yes, I feel very empathic towards clients as I have personal experience.

The night I wrote the OP was the night I had a melt-down so perhaps I was overly sensitive to the remark by this woman. However I feel proud to be working in mental health and proud to be an advocate for people with a mental illness. As I'm sure you all feel by your comments. Thanks guys :cat:

NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2016

Many of us go into a field of nursing that we have developed a passion for due to one reason or another. There are nurses who dealt with a childhood illness and were in and out of the hospital, and they want to go into peds. There are nurses who had a grandparent die of cancer and they want to go into oncology. There are nurses who had a baby or a sibling in the NICU and want to do NICU. It would stand to reason that nurses who have a history with a mental illness or disorder of some sort, who've experienced the stigma firsthand, would then want to use that to help others, and therefore go into psych. My psych professor herself admits that many psych nurses have some form of mental illness, and she herself has Bipolar I. The only girl in my class who wants to go into psych has been very open about her history of Bipolar and depression, and very excitedly speaks of working with "her people."

I think instead of seeing it as a negative thing, we should embrace it. Every specialty needs nurses who are passionate about it, including psych.

WinterLilac · Jul 26, 2016

Many of us go into a field of nursing that we have developed a passion for due to one reason or another.

I love your post and it rings true for me personally. I'm not quoting your entire post because it's annoying when people do that however you pointed out credible reasons why people pursue certain nursing specialties. Thank you for posting :)

(Sofie) · Jul 26, 2016

Or maybe it's not the nurse who has/has a history of mental illness, but someone in her family.