Simply the best...

The best thing that ever happened to me at work was: One evening I answered the phone and it was a former patient. He had taken an overdose of medication and was calling for help. I was able to get the police to him before it was too late. He was in a phonebooth and he told me landmarks nearby... It felt really good to be able to save his life this way. When they found him he was unconscious but he did live. It was a definite high when the police picked up the phone and said "we've found him and he's still alive!"

My favorite part is when a patient thanks me for helping him/her and making a difference or looks at me in a "I feel important and cared about" way. It never gets old and warms my heart every time. They are the reasons why I groveled to keep my job and why I kept it (for now).

My favourite part is when I open my eyes and wake up ... knowing that in just a few moments from now... it'll be lunch time.

Hate when I sleep thru lunch.

I love Psych nursing because our clients are often wise and powerful,they exert a lot of power back on the health care system and they are independant and often fierce against tremendous odds.I have learned so much from my homeless mentally ill clients about life and every day i learn more from them about how resilient and courageous people can be even when they are without the simplest things.Our clients speak the truth and hold nothing back. I consider it an honor and a privelege to work with our patients and feel sorry for everyone else who does not get to share with these incredible people...there are a lot of things that are wrong in the health care profession but the chance to work with these people is so rewarding...i don't understand why evryone is not knocking on our doors wishing to be psych nurses!after 14 years i am still excited going to a job where i never know what will happen next!