Journal Entry No. 1

This is part of my requirement for Psych Nursing. We're required to have a daily journal from our clinicals so here goes.

May 18, 2008

Today was our first day in clinical. Everyone in my group was rather tense. We all knew this rotation was going to be different. Although what we didn't know was what to expect.

We were first oriented to our requirements and later to the facilities. With the numerous doors, it took me a while to figure which way was out. I just had to know.

When we marched up to the adolescent unit, I was mortified to learn that they had roughly 30 patients, all under the age of 18. All of these kids were ill? Given my own history, it made me wonder how the situation would've been in my day. When Mrs. Hagerman had the door open for us, one of the patients tried to push his way through. Thankfully, Mrs. Hagerman was quick and didn't let him out. The boy mumbled foggily, 'I have to get out'. Was this place really so forsaken? I hope not.

Everything was written (which is a good thing in my honest opinion). All the work was done by hand and there was no room for laziness.

We went to the adult units as well and listened in to their group sessions. The therapist was at the center and the patients sat around him, a few yards away. They started talking about how they felt that day and what they liked to accomplish. I was moved by how they knew what they wanted to do. All they needed was the little guidance of their support system so they could take the few steps forward towards their goals.

I think I'll actually like this rotation. These patients could actually be an inspiration for a lot of people, especially me.