Today, I am tired.
Day three of 12 into my mental health rotation, and I am mentally exhausted. Although not nearly as physically demanding as previous rotations, this one just seems to drain all of my brain power - not to mention the anxiety created by being locked-in (we even have to ask the nurses to let us into the locked bathrooms!). I can only imagine what it is like for the poor patients who have to re-tell their story to every group of students, and who have to deal with energy and stigma of mental illness every day, locked in a medicated cage.
I have learned that mental illness is much more prevalent than I had previously thought, and that with treatment, many patients can be pleasant, functioning members of society. I have also glimpsed the darkness that can swallow people whole, with delusions that are as real to a patient as anything you or I might see or hear. It's a hard thing to wrap my head around. I'm still working on it.
Also, I'm pretty sure that writing care-plans could be used as a torture technique.
I've been told that sometimes nurses develop a dark sense of humor to deal with stress, and here is my attempt with a video. My official diagnosis of Jack Johnson here: paranoia and ideas of reference.
Besides I just love J.J. and I think this video is funny.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled across your blog. I, too, am in my final semester and will have my RN in Dec. 11.
I agree about the mental health rotation being draining. I didn't do much but sit and talk to people and I left every day with a headache and just exhausted!
good idea for a torture technique
ReplyDeletezuecos enfermera Cool stuff you have were given and also you praise update each one folks.
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