Types of patients you found challenging in this rotation and what you learned about dealing with them:

 

Working on an inpatient psychiatry unit for 4 weeks definitely presented as a challenge at first. I found that there was a wide variety of patients and the floor dynamic often shifted as people were admitted and discharged. I found it particularly difficult to interact with patients who were out of touch with reality and actively psychotic because it was challenging to follow their train of thought. This was often the case with my initial interview with the patient, and therefore it was difficult to establish that sense of rapport. However, after meeting with the patient for follow up consultations, it became easier as they themselves stabilized back to their baseline and as I got to know them better. 

 

How your perspective may have changed as a result of this rotation (e.g. elderly patients, kids, IV drug users, etc):

After finishing my psychiatry rotation I believe that I have learned a great amount about patients with mental issues. There is often a negative stigma that comes along with mental health and I believe that it is an unfair assumption that is made. Many of the patients with whom I interacted at the hospital led normal lives just as I did but unfortunately had unlucky instances and low points that led to admission. Thankfully with the treatment and support provided during their stay, most patients will be able to return to their normal lives and continue to function properly on a day to day basis. It was definitely an eye opening experience for me and I am sure that I will be able to look back and reflect on the patients I’ve seen here.

 

What was a memorable patient or experience that I’ll carry with me:

I had a long-time alcoholic patient who was close to rock bottom. It soon became clear to the treatment team that she was not firm in her readiness to change. We had spoken with her numerous times discussing the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation and she even seemed somewhat sold on the idea. However, on the day of discharge the patient changed her mind and decided to go back home while promising us she would be in touch with the outpatient rehab. It was frustrating for me because although the patient understood her need to go to inpatient rehab to better herself and her situation in the long run, she was too stuck in her immediate desires to return home. I had wished she would see the bigger picture and had the courage to take charge of her situation and make that change she so desperately needed.

 

What did you learn about yourself during this rotation?

 

Before beginning this rotation I was certainly nervous to be in a “psych ward” for fears of safety and other stereotypes that have been portrayed about mentally ill patients. However, I soon learned that not only was there no need to be afraid of the unit, but I quickly became comfortable with doing a proper psychiatric assessment and evaluation of the patients. I learned that I should be confident in my capabilities as a provider no matter what type of patient I am presented with. I also learned just how important it is to be an active listener with my patients when they recount their personal stories. Although I could not always relate to their specific experiences, I tried my best to show compassion and understanding when they relayed their individual narratives.  I hope to take my experiences and what I learned on this rotation and be able to apply them to future ones and ultimately to practice itself.