[humanser] SPMI

[Mary Chappell]

Leslie,
Thanks for the feedback I currently work with severe psychopathology where I
am employed on a general psychiatric inpatient unit. Plenty of aggressive,
volatile, psychotic patients, no issues over the past 14 months that I have
been there. In fact, a nurse with 20/20 vision was punched in the face by a
psychotic male patient. Maybe I was simply fortunate but, I had had sessions
with the particular patient on multiple occasions, and, due to my common
sense practices and training, I never was threatened or felt that I was in
danger. I recognize that work in mental health may place one in vulnerable
situations; however, I recognize my role in de-escalation, safe practices,
and general interaction. I genuinely appreciate your feedback
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of leslie penko
Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 3:47 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [humanser] SPMI

Hello Mary,
 
I too had some issues applying for my internship and had the supervisor at
the VA convinced that I would not stay safe with patients with SPMI which
stands for Severe (or serious) and persistant mental illness. I ended up
taking an internship on an inpatient psychiatric unit with a supervisor that
really didn't seem to be very concerned that I wouldn't be able to see the
patients' actions as I often took them out into open areas to interview them
anyways.  Just make sure to remain confident and stay safe by common-sense
personal safety measures.  I always checked in with nurses before
interviewing a patient to make sure that they were not agitated or volatol
and it was safe at that time for me to speak with them.
 
Good luck,
Leslie


      
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