Comments on: Why would you want to be a psychiatric nurse?

By: Avani K. Thakkar RN

Avani K. Thakkar RN — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:24:09 +0000

I really liked the post by Lindy. I am glad that I have worked with a bright young nurse like her. I agree with that it is a stigma for pursuing psychiatry nursing. In fact, I think this is still a world wide issue. I always tell nursing students and others that as a psych nurse I feel special. It is not easy to treat a wound but it is definitely hard to treat a soul. I am glad that I am Menninger and proud to be one.

By: Reynaldo Driscoll, RN

Reynaldo Driscoll, RN — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:37:06 +0000

Thank you for a great post. This reminds me of why I chose to go into Mental Health Nursing 28 years ago.

By: Elise Flores, RN

Elise Flores, RN — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 03:09:47 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. Look @ the impact our mental health has on all aspects of our lives. I’ve never regretted my decision to work in the field of psychiatric nursing 12 years ago. When I did an internship in the Harris County Jail, it was then I realized just how truly remarkable it is how many criminals have a mental illness. Maybe we will one day stop the revolving door epidemic, and have accesible, affordable, mental health care for all.

By: Roberta Anding, RD

Roberta Anding, RD — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:22:55 +0000

Great post Lindy. I have worked in adolescent medicine for the past 12 years and it is actually tragic to see how many people would rather have a serious medical diagnosis than one involving mental health. Advocacy for adolescents who need a holistic approach to health care makes my job a true blessing. Thanks for your passion!

By: Rhonda Williams, RN BSN

Rhonda Williams, RN BSN — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:04:32 +0000

It is my hope that mental illness will someday get the respect and support along with other physcial illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc… When I tell family and friends that I’m a psychatric nurse they shy away from asking too many questions. It’s like no one wants to talk about it. I take it upon myself to educate my small circle of friends and family to bring awareness to what “our children”, “teens”, and adult peers are struggling with. Seriously, so many are ignorant to what mental illness entails and get caught up in the negative stereotypes; and thus limiting themselves to treatment. I am proud to be a psychatric nurse, and my vision is definately 20/20. Thanks for this insightful post!

By: Debbie Cox, RN

Debbie Cox, RN — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:54:38 +0000

I enjoyed this post so much! So many of the nurses I speak with can’t understand why I work in mental health and have actually asked if I do it by choice! Indeed, why would you NOT want to work in mental health? Many nurses don’t feel like they aren’t a nurse if they can’t come to work and start an IV or suction a trach. Come on, anybody can do that! I feel like I’ve done my job if just one patient can tell me they trust me or tell me that nobody has ever taken the time to really TALK to them. They are just in much need of care (probably more) than the “sick” people in the hospital.

By: Cheryl Buteaux, RN

Cheryl Buteaux, RN — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:08:55 +0000

Excellent post Lindy. It is quite shameful that our society so underserves the public with funds devoted to mental health and that government does not mandate the insurance companies to provide good mental health coverage. We know clearly that this is a vital part of overall health and that mental health can be just as debilitating as those suffering from physical ailments. As yo mentioned, statistics show that suicide is ranked 3rd as a cause of death for young people. In the end, the numbers should reflect that it is more costly to our community to imprison those that have not been treated for their mental illness and have committed crimes within the community than to assist them beforehand with good psychiatric care. I am not even mentioning the cost, both emotionally and financially to the victims of crimes who themselves may require mental health services. I appreciate the thoughtful way you have presented the stigma related to being a psychiatric nurse and look forward to a shared vision that will improve this imbalance.

By: Pam Greene PhD,RN

Pam Greene PhD,RN — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:41:40 +0000

With bright, insightful nurses like Lindy as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, we will be able to work together and eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness. Thanks for your post!

By: Jennifer M. Jackson, RN

Jennifer M. Jackson, RN — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 15:33:34 +0000

Lindy’s vision is 20/20. Thank you for reminding us why we do what we do. The question is, “Why would you NOT want to be a psychiatric-mental health nurse?” We at Menninger are so pleased to have you with us.