Learning about mental health, experience with therapeutic conversation. CPM training.
What I wish was different
Longer on-unit training before being alone, explaining the rules that differ on each unit.
Advice
Asks lots of questions, listen closely to patient needs. Take advantage of the inter-professional communication to get a better understanding of the patients.
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Psychiatric Nursing Aide
October 2018 • Oshkosh, WI
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to care for patients with various mental health needs. I have been working at this hospital for a little over two years now, and it has been amazing. Working in mental health you see your patients at some of the worst times in their lives, and with the help of the healthcare team you're able to integrate your patient back into the community and help them restore their highest level of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. I have learned communication skills, how to deescalate a situation, and the many ways that we can help keep our patients safe from themselves and others. I am proud to work at Winnebago Mental Health Institute, and continue to be an advocate for mental health.
What I wish was different
One thing I wish was different is being able to have a "home unit", and not always be in the float pool where I would work on a different unit each shift. Having a home unit allows for that staff member to work on the same unit each shift, with generally the same staff and patients. Although I don't have a home unit, I still think being in the float pool has helped me become a great employee. This allows me to meet various staff members, other healthcare team members, and various patients. I am able to see how the "flow" of each unit works.
Advice
One piece of advice I would give to staff who are starting out in my position, or any other CNA position is to be a sponge! There is so much new information, procedures and protocols that you will learn within the first 6 weeks of employment- soak it up, retain it as best you can and ask questions! I love seeing new employees asking questions when they don't know something, it's much better than assuming you know how to do something & then making a mistake that could be harmful to the patient or staff.
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Grounds Keeper
June - September 2019 • Oshkosh, WI
What I liked
Great coworkers
What I wish was different
Expectations outlined better
Advice
Be very careful to not share any personal information with the inmates and keep a professional relationship
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Psychiatric Nursing Aide
October 2018 • Oshkosh, WI
What I liked
Experiencing a diverse patient population in a unique inpatient setting
What I wish was different
Having more staff that are my age and being able to work on a single unit, instead of being in the float pool where I work a different unit each time I work.
Advice
Working in a psychiatric hospital isn't for everyone, but if you are interested in mental health I would suggest trying out this employment opportunity. We are always looking for more amazing staff!
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Psychiatric Care Technician
July 2018 • Winnebago, WI
What I liked
I loved being able to see how different mental illnesses looked in different people, as well as being able to regularly interact with those to better understand the illness.
What I wish was different
Full time staff was very overworked, and often got forced into more than 20 plus hours of overtime per week.
Advice
I would always recommend trying a career in a mental heath institute. It helps you to get away from typical stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental illnesses.
