A psychiatric nurse's parent had bipolar disorder. The nurse angrily recalls childhood memories of embarrassment about the parent's behavior. Select the best coping strategies for this nurse. (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Seek ways to use the understanding gained from childhood to help patients cope with their own illnesses.
b. Recognize that these feelings are unhealthy. The nurse should repress them when working with patients.
c. Recognize that psychiatric nursing is not an appropriate career choice. Select another area of practice.
d. Begin relationships with new patients by saying, "My parent had mental illness, so I accept it without stigma."
e. Recognize that the feelings may add sensitivity to the nurse's practice, but supervision is important.

Answer 1

A, E
The nurse needs support to explore these feelings. An experienced psychiatric nurse is a resource who may be helpful. The knowledge and experience gained from the nurse's relationship with a mentally ill parent may contribute sensitivity to compassionate practice. Self-disclosure and suppression are not adaptive coping strategies. The nurse should not give up on this area of practice without first seeking ways to cope with the memories.