My five-shift rotation at the psychiatric hospital was eye-opening. Prior to the first shift, I was nervous to say the least. I had seen movies about these sorts of facilities, but had never actually been inside of one. To my surprise, I did not feel scared or uneasy once I familiarized myself with some of the patients.
Each shift I had the opportunity to sit down with a patient, and ask him/her intimate questions. Some of the patients were aware of their psychiatric illness while others were not. Additionally, many of the patients' stories did not match up with what was written in their charts.
What I gained most from talking to these patients was an understanding that they are truly sick. Even though they might be able to walk, they might have strong hearts, and functioning kidneys, they are sick. The patients I encountered in the psychiatric hospital did not have control over their illnesses, and needed assistance.
Something else that surprised me was the relationship between staff and patients. I expected that the staff would be constantly frustrated with the patients. However, all of the patients were treated with respect and compassion. The hospital's employees demonstrated a tremendous amount of patience.
During one shift my clinical group's instructor brought us to the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) room. We had the opportunity to watch multiple patients experience this unique form of therapy, during which short seizures are intentionally induced. A psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and three nurses were staffed in this part of the hospital.
When I first entered the room I felt odd. The patients lying on the beds seemed vulnerable to me. I felt skeptical about ECT and its efficacy. However, I felt slightly more comfortable after watching the procedure, which was milder than I had anticipated.
Later on I asked a few ECT patients about their opinions on this unique form of therapy. Interestingly, all of the ones who I spoke with shared positive feelings about ECT.
Our instructor informed us about the potential for ECT-induced amnesia. He also explained that many patients who receive ECT actually want to forget events they experienced in the days or weeks prior to therapy.
In addition to my time in the psychiatric hospital, I was required to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for this rotation. This experience was unique, and one that I am thankful for. I was stunned at how eclectic the group's members were. Individuals of all races, and all socioeconomic statuses sat in a room, and listened to one another. Despite their demographic differences, they all shared very similar tales. The level of respect in the room was remarkable.
The five hospital rotations that I have completed over the past nine months were all exciting and educational in their own unique ways. I will start my final rotation of the year next week on a liver and kidney transplant floor.
Gloria Rothenberg, a native of Livingston, N.J., completed a summer internship with ľֱ in 2016 and is now a nursing student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville beginning last fall. Her accounts of the program and her experiences appear in this space from time to time.
Previous installments:
Confidence Bends but Doesn't Break