The power of crafts

Published Jul 28, 2015

255 Posts

Specializes in Addictions, psych, corrections, transfers.

I have always been a creative person and when I became a nurse I wanted to incorporate my creativity into patient care. Ah, how that dream went "splat" as soon as I realized I would have 24 patients to myself at my first job (LPN-psych and addictions), two thousand patients at my second job (LPN-prison), and 650 patients at my third job (RN-jail). There was absolutely no time to spend with my patients. I ended up being a glorified med passer, rapid assessment extraordinaire, and first responder. It was a rare occasion that I would have even have 15 minutes to spend with my patients. Although, my creativity was always their in my interventions and de-escalations. It wasn't enough. I have used crafts, art, and music for therapy for years and I truly believe it is therapy. I applied for a position at a brand new, not even open yet, 9 bed acute detox unit. They hired me on the spot due to my experience and music degree. Three nurses were hired and we literally built the whole program ourselves. Management gave us full reign and the doctor completely trusted us to set everything up including what meds to use and what interventions work best. Freaking fantasy land, right? Finally, I got to be myself and use all of my creative skills to enrich my patient's treatment.

Wow, that's a lot of back story. Anyway, back to crafts saving lives. My support staff and I decided to make funny monsters out of gloves (Pinterest is my addiction). I had 5 patients at the time. I brought out the project and only one was interested in it. The others kept saying they couldn't sew but as they watched us making these adorable monsters they started to take interest. My support staff and I end up teaching 4 people how to sew. I told them that none of the monsters should be perfect. We were laughing, joking, and the room was filled with this positive energy. Everyone was encouraging each other. I'm a softy, so it took a lot for me not to tear up as I saw these people that have been telling themselves that they are worthless and can't do anything other than get high, smile and see their confidence grow. When they would think they made a mistake with the design, everyone would join in telling how awesome it looked. One young woman who mostly isolated in her room was so excited she was bouncing her seat, giggling, with a huge smile on her face. It took everything I had to keep cool and not tear up. I know, I'm a weirdo. As a result of all the positivity, I didn't have to pass out any PRN medications all day for anxiety. Anyone who has worked with addicts or psych patients will know that's bordering on a miracle. At the end, I gave the group the project's lesson. Imperfection is not only okay, it's freakin' awesome! The next day I taught them how to crochet. I love my job!

Does anyone else have any stories about how they used their crafty brains?