Mental Health Simulation 1 Reflection

            I was very optimistic and open minded going into this simulation, to be honest I didn’t really know what to expect. The only experience I’ve had interacting with patients in a mental health facility/setting is at Mid Coast. I think the most important insight gained from this experience is that asking the tough questions are crucial. Asking tough questions is how you get the deeper answers and learn more about the patient. Also, knowing that it’s okay to ask those tough questions. You are only helping yourself and not helping the patient when you hold back on tough questions.

            Prior to this exercise, some challenges that I expected were being afraid, being nervous, not asking the right questions, not asking enough questions, and concerned about times of awkwardness and silence. I think a challenge that I had not anticipated was how challenging it can be to establish a flow of communication and trust that works for the patient.

            A few things that I really learned about the mental health nursing process is mainly the holistic approach to the human as a whole. That there is a human beneath the pain and diagnosis. Also, how beneficial medicine and therapeutic communication can be for a patient experiencing a debilitating diagnosis and lifestyle. Focusing on the patient’s needs as a whole is huge. I can take all of this into the clinical setting. I know I am much more prepared now and ready to address mental health problems in a clinical setting. I believe that, because I learned it’s so important to get to know the patient before anything else, and that it’s okay to ask tough questions, and initial feelings of uncomfortableness are okay, but you grow from them, leaning into the patient, letting them know they are safe, they are heard, and will get help. All of that and more will help me in my readiness to address mental health problems in a clinical setting. I really feel that this simulation was really beneficial.