Reflective Journal Acute Psychiatric Ward, Ridge Meadows, Maple Ridge.

Student Name Dermot Connolly Stenberg College

Tuesday Nov 20th 2012 I was glad to get the first day of clinical under my belt as I was quiet nervous about starting which I believe stemmed from my lack of exposure to people with acute psychiatric illness. As I reflected on this fear I realized that I had some preconceived ideas of what to expect from interacting with acute psychiatric patients. Would I be attacked? Should I be afraid? I think its important to be aware of these feelings but it is equally as important to ensure it does not interfere with the quality of nursing care I administer to the patients. The first thing that struck me on my first day was how sterile the environment at Ridge Meadows was. Everyone was very quiet including the nurses and to be honest I felt like we werent welcome. I also saw very little interaction between the staff and I attributed this atmosphere to the style of management within the facility. I was also struck by the pace of the work environment. I had expected to see a fast paced environment with a lot of activity and interaction between the staff and patients. While there was certainly interaction, it was not as busy as I had anticipated. The release of an involuntary patient on Tuesday got me thinking this week about the legality of the mental health act. It is my intention to use this journal to reflect on any ethical issues as I see them during my clinical and the frustrations expressed by this patient as he prepared to leave triggered my interest. He expressed his frustration that he had being committed involuntarily and now that he had being discharged, he expressed his intention to sue Fraser Health. I have being asking myself a lot this week about the likelihood that patients with medical problems are misdiagnosed with a mental illness and admitted into a psychiatric ward. I have being asking myself, who assesses the quality of the physicians assessments? Is it not feasible to

assume that mistakes are made and mentally stable people are admitted into psychiatric wards and administered drugs against their will? If the answer is yes, then shouldnt the mental health act be reviewed or at least be held accountable? Or is it simply a case that this is the best weve got and its good enough? Next week, I am excited to get started again and eager to introduce myself to the patients and in particular to the patient I have being assigned to. I am a little nervous about my charting as I am very aware that both my charting and Mental Status Exams will have to be detailed yet concise and I will need a lot of practice to get it to the level where it needs to be.