In the last week at clinical I was able to see the role of the RN when a patient was kept in the unit rather than in class because she threatened to hurt them-self. The RN was responsible to talk with the patient and find out what is the cause of these feelings. Also the patients room was monitored and searched every 24 hours in order to ensure that there are no materials in their that could be life threatening. I was also able to view the classroom setting and observe how the patients interact and behave together. The patients were creating urns out of paper mache, they were demonstrating creativity and teamwork with one another by deciding what to add to the urn and painting the urn.
The situation in the classroom made me feel as though the patients were in the process of making changes, although there had been stories told to me about how some patients were acting out the day before. The behaviors that was being displayed such as communication and coping skills made me feel like the treatment at the facility was taking effect.
I don't think I would have changed anything that I observed. I thought that the interview held with the patient in the unit was conducted well and it was a beneficial experience. I also thought that the classroom was instructed very appropriately and the ability to cope and think for themselves was encouraged.
I believe that what I learned in this facility will help me in the future with my communication skills to patients that have a mental dissorder. I also feel that my experience here will benefit my ability to research a patient before I assess them in order to understand them better and focus my care towards their specific needs.