Methodist Specialty and Transplant 11Mar16
This week was my first clinical rotation at the Methodist Specialty and Transplant behavioral health inpatient units. The clinical objective was to explore various interventions used in an inpatient behavioral health unit. I was surprised at how many different types of units and subspecialties are involved. There is a behavioral health ICU or level 1, a chemical dependence unit, a lower level of care or level 2 and an older adults unit. After a quick orientation of the different floors I was assigned to the older adult unit.
After being assigned to the older adult unit with Luis we were paired with one of the mental health techs. At 930 we able to participate and observe group therapy. It started with a simple stating what you are thankful for. Next the Patients were asked to describe how they felt about themselves from 1-10. After that the therapist began discussing three essentials for wellbeing. Having fun, exercising and having a positive outlook. Each Patient picked an exercise and the whole group performed them together. Next the Patients threw some rings on poles and we all cheered for one another. After the group therapy the patients had a quick break then we began a game similar to family feud where we tried to name 10 objects in a theme such as life saver flavors. After all this one of the Patients had to use the restroom and failed to void three times. His bladder scan showed around 450 ml’s of urine. We then performed and in and out catheter and drained about 600 from the PT.
When being assigned to the mental health techs it felt like we were nuisance to the nurses and that they were not interested in teaching or even talking to us. I was glad to observe the group therapy. It was surprising the amount of involvement that Luis and I were able to participate in. Participating allowed us to see personalities of the Patients clearly and I feel helped build trust with the patients. The group therapy reminded me that having fun throughout the day is important and helps to keep one healthy by reducing stress. While doing the in and out catheter I again felt like the nursing staff did not want to be bothered by us. One of nurses was charting and appeared to pass the task of watching us perform the task to the other nurse who was busy passing meds. I believe the assistant head nurse for the entire psych department was there and volunteered to help us. He seemed interested in teaching Luiz and I. Overall the clinical was a good experience but I just don’t feel welcome by the staff nurses.
One thing that I would like to change next rotation is to spend more time with the charts before seeing the patients. I wasn’t able to look at the charts and this made it difficult to discern why some of the patients were there. During the in and out catheter I learned that some patients require repositioning to fully drain the bladder. I have done numerous catheters before as a LVN but have never had to reposition the patient before. I am glad that I was able to learn more about performing in and out catheters. Overall the day went well and I learned a lot.