1Apr2016 Methodist Transplant and Specialty
I was assigned to the level 1 behavioral health unit for the clinical day at Methodist. I felt more welcome and accepted by the staff this time. We started with report and learned of multiple patients who were there for various reasons such as suicide ideation and schitzophrenia. Luis and I were paired together and we followed one of the mental health techs. She was showing us how to perform the 15 minute checks and basic care of the patients.
The initial feeling I had when starting the day was one of being over cautious and unsure of what to expect for the day. I was surprised at how composed the patients were. One of the interesting Patients that was there was a recent homeless man in his mid 30’s who he stated that he used to be a stripper. We were discussing his case and the topic of using suicidal ideation as way to get fed and provided shelter. This particular patient had been reported on earlier days to have been openly masturbating. I was relieved that this did not occur on my rotation. Some of the staff thinks he may be exhibiting this behavior to stay at the hospital. There were also conflicting personalities among the patients. One of the middle aged men there seemed to have a problem with black people and had made ill remarks to staff and other patients with black skin. One of the patients did well and was able to manage his anger well when comments were made.
This clinical day had taught me a lot about people. First was the importance of identifying and reinforcing positive coping shown. I had said good job to patient on how he had dealt with his anger and being provoked. This seemed to be uplifting and encouraged him to talk more and helped build trust. The most important thing is to treat the patients as grown adults and listen to them. Patients are receptive to a friendly and nonjudgmental approach.
One change that I intend to make in how I deal with patients is trying to find and point out positive things they do. This helps build self- esteem as well as trust between the staff and patients.