Nurses who care for patients with mental disorders face an array of challenges. While these patients may pose few problems at first, their condition may worsen over time and they may require additional care beyond that of other patients. Mental illnesses are often misunderstood, and patients with these conditions can often seem untreatable. Even when they are responsive to treatment, they can sometimes pose a challenge for nurses. Mentally disturbed patients may be unpredictable and difficult to care for. Faced with these difficulties, many nurses consider these patients a lost cause. However, if you are from Free Mental Clinics, a few practical strategies can make life much easier for both you and your mentally disturbed patient.
Build Trust
You will earn much more trust and respect with a mentally disturbed patient if you build trust than if you try to force it. Build trust by being calm, patient, and caring. Avoid speaking in a monotone, as this can be disconcerting to the patient. Project a soothing voice and use a light touch while you are caring for the patient. Let the patient ease you into an emotionally charged situation; this will make it easier for you to establish a therapeutic relationship.
Make Goals known
Be up-front and open about your goals with a mentally disturbed patient. Explain your expectations for behavior and how these goals will help the patient achieve their desired outcomes. Often, setting goals for a patient will encourage better behavior than a vague “we’ll see” promise from a nurse. Vague expectations can lead to frustration, anger, and even a decreased desire to improve. It’s best to be as specific as possible when setting goals for a mentally disturbed patient.
Use Simple Instructions
Keep instructions with your medication and a short, simple explanation on how to use them. Avoid using medical terms, as these may be confusing to a mentally disturbed patient. If a patient is violent or aggressive, use caution when providing instructions. You may want to have another nurse or a staff member assist you in giving these instructions. It’s also ok to have a patient sign a consent form authorizing a medical treatment plan.
Provide Simple, Easy Tasks
Easy and simple tasks will help you keep track of a mentally disturbed patient. It is much easier to care for a patient with clear expectations, proper care, and plenty of motivation than it is to care for a patient who doesn’t seem to have any goals or desires. Simple tasks will help you keep track of basic needs such as eating and toileting. Keeping track of medications, treatments, and appointments is essential and will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Encourage Exercise
Exercising can help reduce a patient’s symptoms and improve their quality of life. It can also be used as a form of treatment for some symptoms. Before starting an exercise program, discuss it with the patient and make sure they are interested. Stay focused on the patient’s wants and needs, rather than your own. Many patients will enjoy the company of others who are also participating in an exercise program.
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Conclusion
Mental illness can be tough to deal with, but with a little bit of effort, you can make it much easier on yourself and your patients. By building trust, setting achievable goals, using simple instructions, encouraging exercise, and having patience, you can help any mentally disturbed patient reach their desired outcome.
