Why I Choose PsychNursing

Hey!

You read a little about why we want to do this together but you don’t know what motivates us. We have had different experiences with mental health which have led us to this point in our careers. When discussing patient care, our conversations end with agreement that we are similarly dissatisfied with the care and treatment of persons with mental health disorders. This finding stems from a “situation” that has existed for a very long time and we want to do something about it. This blog is our opportunity to talk about how we care for persons with mental health disorders. Below, you will read more about what motivates each of us. We hope our viewpoints inspire you to learn more about psychiatric-mental health nursing as we continue on this exciting journey. Feel free to comment or provide your own insight. If you make topic suggestions, we can learn something new together.

Melissa’s View

Most people are completely oblivious to the way persons with mental illness are treated. I’m not saying that you are like “most people”. What I’m saying is that we (the citizens of this world) are conditioned to proceed through life in a manner where we accept poor treatment of others; we don’t act when ‘the norm’ is unfair to avoid becoming the target. The norm of mental illness is to treat people in a less than desirable way. If you are aware of the situation, thank you for taking the time to address the conversation of stigma with us. My goal is to educate the world about the stigma of mental illness. 

Now that I’ve stated my goal for writing, I’ll tell you a little bit more about me. As a child, I spent a great deal of time interacting with people experiencing mental illness. No. I’m not talking about my family (although some of them could use some help). My mom worked for a NJ State Psychiatric hospital when I was a kid and we went to all of the holiday functions. That said, I have witnessed events of mental illness from a perspective that most kids are never exposed to: medical management. I saw people talk to themselves, randomly disrobe, and respond to internal stimuli for as long as I can remember. I didn’t know why it was happening but the nurturing response by the staff showed me that there is always something we can do to help. Other events I witnessed include a person experiencing a dystonic reaction, a person experiencing heat stroke, and a person in an uncontrollable manic state. To say the least, these events never really freaked me out because the innate response of the staff was to help the person in crisis and move on. These early experiences created a foundation for my career in Mental Health Nursing. I was always intrigued that one person can help another get through their problems while bored on. I will share more about my knowledge and experiences of mental illness through this blog.

Nowadays, I spend so much time with people experiencing mental illness, I refer to them as “my people.” That means I look out for them in any way I can. Mind you, I’m not on the subway saving souls or anything. My intervention is more along the lines of incorporating all of what I know into providing the best care possible. I know you think all nurses do this and I hate to be the one to break it to you: that’s not the case. It’s not for lack of trying, it’s more that ignorance is bliss.

As I learn more about caring for my people as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student, I will share what I can with you. I may not go into great detail of some topics but others will be thoroughly discussed.

Your knowledge of mental illness and mental healthcare determines how you perceive my people (soon to be “our people”) and what your reaction is. Please keep an open mind. #TurboAdvice (#TurboAdvice means that what was just shared can impact your outlook on things if you let it.)

Arnetta’s View

You ever step onto an acute psych unit and think, “Oh s***! What did I just get myself into?” I loved it! Most people can’t get over the sheer fear that at any given moment, someone could go off and just destroy the place. But why not live for the excitement? Now I know I sound like a sick person with a strange affection for punishment but the good days are worth the bad days.

These people, the ones that you see on the street, in all types of neighborhoods, downtown, and wandering into shops all have some form of mental illness. Whether they are homeless, cared for by family members, or living in group homes, they are human beings first and foremost. They would have been placed in long term psychiatric facilities yet are now among us, free to roam. I can’t help but take my time and make sure they receive the care that they need. The gratitude they express when being treated like a person; provided with food, shelter and a hot shower (if needed) gives much humbling experience, I can’t help but do it again.

When you imagine individuals on a locked acute psychiatric unit, remind yourself that at any time, that person could be you or me. An individual simply overwhelmed by what life has been throwing at them or imprisoned by the thoughts in their brain telling them to that they are hopeless and alone. Other people may be dealing with a tortured past that constantly haunts them. Some have taken to self-destructive coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol.

UnstableLifestyles represents those parts of life that are seemingly unbalanced and at times in need of some assistance. Sometimes drastic measures need to be taken and other times assistance as small as a thoughtful conversation can refer us to the right track. We are hear to help those who want to take on the business of helping others both mentally and emotionally.

See you soon!

Arnetta & Melissa 🖖🏾