Psych. Rotation

WinterWolf90 · Jun 24, 2008

I actually liked psych and it's what I think I will be doing. The best advice to give anyone I think is that don't let them see you scared, they are more likely to do something or show no respect if you do that around them. Just remember they are people too and treat them like people, they have already been judged badly by others, it's up to you to help them.

mingez · Jun 24, 2008

Hi all,
I am a 7 quarter student in the BSN Program at RUSH University and am about to begin my psych. rotation. I'm a little apprehensive because I have had psych. patients go off on me before while working as a Paramedic. Does anybody have any good advise on getting on and getting over my apprehension? I do not want it to effect my patient care and the whole learning experience.
Thanks!!

I just finished my Psyche rotations this Saturday. Now, I'll preface my response by saying that every facility is different, but I did mine at CMNI-Fort Logan here in Denver and I absolutely LOVED it.

And I went into it apprehensive and scared, just dreading it because of my own preconceived notions. But boy was I wrong!!! It's nothing like you think. I wasn't depressing, and it was very structured and healthy environment-wise. I worked with different populations from Peds to Geri, and it was great.

But just like any clinical experience, the over all experience depends on the staff, facility, your preceptor and instructor, and mine were all awesome.

I'm speaking to the notion of the stereotypes and imagery that we have bout psyche facilities, with the austere environment, scary imagery, scary people, chaos, archaic methods, padded cells, etc. Fort Logan wasn't like that at all. Now, you'll see and hear some things that may shake you, because many of the people there are very sick. But I've never felt like I made a difference in my patients like I did during these rotations.

I even witnessed some ECT (Electro convulsive therapy) and that's not the horrible Tx that hollywood has made it out to be. It's very civilized and the most effective Tx for depression.

I'm now considering doing my Capstone/Leadership/Preceptorship (whatever you call it) there. I'm even considering a career in psyche.

Keep an open mind, you'll probably like it.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 24, 2008

Keep your wits about you at all times of course but you really shouldn't be put in a dangerous position as a student. I would think that as a paramedic you were seeing acute psychosis and hopefully your clients on the unit will be more stable. Try to enjoy the experience it should be laid back but interesting.