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to help the patients emphasize on their strengths and positives, rather than on their
weaknesses and negatives. It was a quick way to remind each patient of his or her
positive affirmations. The meeting went well as we saw how each patient took their time
to think about their positives, and within the group milieu, each discussed what their
strengths were. I learned that this type of interaction promoted a positive group therapy
experience.
Throughout the five weeks, I also learned to not judge anyone based off of his or
her diagnosis. I spoke to around 15-20 patients during the past five weeks. Each patient
had his or her own unique story. Some of the patients stories saddened me, while others
I sympathized. I not only learned so much about them, but I learned a lot for myself. I
learned that about 90% of these patients were affected by their childhood and some even
had the mental illness diagnosis due to their childhood experiences. I learned that we
should never disregard the importance of family and nurture. This experience made me
more aware of being a good role model for my daughter. Although she is still too young
to verbally communicate, I realized that the way I nurture her, surround her with a certain
environment, and the way I communicate with her, all affects her emotional well being as
she grows up. From this experience, I learned that being a good mother by providing her
support, tender love, and care are all important to foster a healthy upbringing for my
daughter.
Lastly, I would like to end this journal by stating that I did a lot of self-reflecting
during this portion of N360. When I entered nursing school, I never once thought that I
would be interested in Psychiatric Mental Health. However, my mind has changed since
this semester. I am now very interested in this specialty. I think I not only have an
interest in this area, but luckily, theres a need (according to the professors that I have
spoken to). I can honestly say that I enjoyed and looked forward to every single PMH
clinical this semester and very sad that next week is our last. I wished we incorporated
more PMH into the nursing program. I do know, that PMH is challenging at times,
especially with all our endless paperwork, assignments, pretests, midterms, skills check
off, 12-step meetings, ROL and WCH, and presentations. However, I would not trade
this experience for any less paperwork, homework, or assignments. What I learned from
this clinical rotation was priceless. I am happy I survived thus far, but happier that I
found one of my interests in nursing. If time and money werent an issue, I would
definitely look into pursuing further education, such as obtaining my masters in
psychiatric mental health. I agree that PMH is widely ignored especially with the
negative stigma that still exists in our community. Albeit the stereotypes persist, it is still
apparent and a widespread problem. It will not go away. Therefore, I hope to one day, be
a part of the nursing staff to help within the psychiatric mental health community.