What is Psychiatric Nursing?
Psychiatric Nursing is a specialist nursing discipline who works with people who are experiencing mental health problems. Nursing staff work with both the person and their families in times of distress to enable them to use their own inner resources as well as professional resources to promote recovery and wellbeing. At the heart of psychiatric nursing is the development of an empowering therapeutic relationship.
Where we work?
Psychiatric nurses work with and care for people in a variety of settings such as acute in patient facilities (Tallaght Hospital), within community based sector teams such as day hospitals, day centers, outpatient clinics and home care teams. Community residences and outreach community programmes are also part of the spectrum of care. Psychiatric nursing care is constantly evolving to meet the challenging mental health needs and the way mental healthcare is delivered.
What we do?
Psychiatric Nurses undertake a structured education programme (a 4 year degree programme) which provides them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the needs of the person and family in an individualised, empowering and culturally sensitive manner.
Psychiatric nurses provide person centered care and treatment on a 24 hour basis. The focus of psychiatric care depends on where the person is receiving care e.g. as an inpatient or in their home, and how well they are able they are to manage their mental health difficulties at the particular time.
Nursing interventions will also depend on other factors such as the person’s age, their “mental health wellness” or “illness”, physical wellbeing and the levels of family support they have.
Examples of care and treatment include :
- Conducting comprehensive assessments of the person’s psychological and holistic needs which inform the planning and delivery of nursing care in conjunction with the wider multidisciplinary team.
- In partnership with the person and their family, negotiate achievable and meaningful goals.
- Assisting the person with daily living skills or social skills by using a range of therapeutic approaches.
- Delivering psycho-education appropriate to both the person and family’s needs.
- Working closely with the person and their families to identify “early warning signs” and construct a relapse prevention plan .
- Work with the person and their families in developing problem solving techniques that buildson the personal strengths and resiliencies of the person.
- Working in partnership with the person and their families to tackle mental health problems with hope and optimism and to work towards a valued lifestyle beyond the limits of any mental health illness.
- Management and treatment particularly during the acute phase of the person mental illness may involve administering prescribed medication.
- The psychiatric nurse also monitoring the person’s response to medication and educating the person/ family regarding medication management.
How do I get a Psychiatric Nurse?
Psychiatric nurses are an integral part of each multidisciplinary team, inpatient facility or community based residence. You will usually be allocated a named nurse as your key worker.
What will happen at a meeting?
You will be able to speak with the nurse in private and have enough time to discuss your concerns. The nurse will listen and show respect. They will often need to get to know you in some detail to be able to help you, and will focus on your strengths as well as your current difficulties.
Do I need to bring anything?
n/a
Can I bring another person?
You can if you like.
How long will it take?
At least 30 minutes
What happens after the meeting?
You and your nurse agree a plan at the end of your meeting which includes the next actions.
What if I can’t attend an appointment?
Please let us know us as soon as you can. Your appointment time can be given to another person and we can give you a new date.
