Being a Psych Nurse: What a Career!

 

Being a Psych Nurse has many meanings. If you're not in the field of mental health you may not understand the same as the ones who are in the industry. I always chuckle when someone ask me "what do you do" because when I tell them, their face expression always makes me laugh. 

The very next question they ask is "How do you do that." Sometimes, I wonder myself. After working for 21 years, in the same state funded mental hospital, where we have a very unique group of people that come through the admission process for many different reasons.

The ones that come from jail usually laugh at the system because they have told them they are going to hurt themselves which gets them into a "private" cell – or admitted to our hospital for evaluation. Very few that come in from jail are upset they are in our facility because the food is better, they have a bed verse being in jail with just a mat on the floor and some don't get a mat. They get to shower every day and clean clothes, and color TV.

I have sat on the hall and watched TV with some of these guys/gals as we talk about why they are in the hospital. The man who told me about  killing his wife and now being evaluated for observing a murder but had yet to be proven was unique. We were watching TV and having conversation over killing someone like people have coffee and talk about shopping. When I went back to the office – I chuckled to myself. How does any of that make sense?

Only when I try to tell someone about my day does it sound really weird coming out of my mouth. Otherwise, I don't really think about it – I guess after 21 years – it is an odd normal.

Being a Psych Nurse has its own stresses and it is not for everyone. Nursing in general has a different set of stress that someone working in a factory or an business office would not have to deal with. Becoming a nurse is in a way like joining a military service. From the moment you say your oath your life is run under a set of rules. 

I found it not so funny that the length of my fingernails, my hair, the clothes that I am allowed to wear, the amount of jewelry that can be worn sized by a dime, to take a bathe daily, no perfume, no wild pink hair can be worn (sorry Sandi), all of these are found in a SOP (system of operating procedure). My life is found in a SOP!

I am told what time and what days to show up to serve. I am only given 6 minutes to clock in early and 6 minutes to clock out past the hour. If I show up late – I have to confess to a supervisor. If I want to leave early I have to ask permission. To spend extra time with my family or go on vacation I have to ask permission to have the time off.

I know what you're thinking … those are things listed for most jobs.

After following superiors with very little to zero leadership skills over the years and watching the temper tantrums and dishonest actions take place – it has encouraged me to become a nurse entrepreneur. What they have taught me is how I do not want to run my company and how I do want to encourage the customers I have the privilege to serve.

My desire is to empower the nurse who works in the mental health field/ nursing field. Not just for nurses – but those that nurse others in life. Most nurse rarely want to get out of the nursing field all together but they do want to take back the control over their life and not be dependent on someone who is not concerned about the important things to each nurses personal life. Do you want to learn more about being a nurse entrepreneur – Click here.

Angela Brooks has worked in a state-funded psychiatric hospital in Kentucky for 21 years as a nurse, assisting sometimes-dangerous patients who come in shackled and cuffed. At AngelaBrook.com, she offers stories of life on the inside of a psychiatric ward, and the site, as well as her company, offers support for nurses in the mental health field and helps them bring passion into their role at work.

On her BlogTalkRadio show, Mental Happiness with Angela Brooks, she shares some of her experiences “learning to love those others have forsaken” and gives tips on how to bring peace to your own life.

Everyday we share insights, strategies and even some of our biggest secrets to business on our Facebook page!  Join the fun and connect with like-minded business owners and Nurses EVERY single day!  Click here and join Angela's friends NOW!

* Please note: I am not here to CURE, DIAGNOSE, Treat or suggest replacements for what a doctor prescribes – I am sharing my nursing adventures with you.

What Did You Think?

Let us know your thoughts on today's issue.
Post your comments below.

Remember – sharing is caring…

Are we connected on Twitter? | Come write on my Facebook Page wall!