A new psychiatric nurse has a parent with bipolar disorder. This nurse angrily recalls embarrassing events concerning the parent's behavior in the community. Select the best ways for this nurse to cope with these feelings. Select all that apply
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, and try to suppress them when working with patients.
c. Recognize that psychiatric nursing is not an appropriate career choice, and explore other nursing specialties.
d. Begin new patient relationships by saying, "My own 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.
ANS: A, E
The nurse needs 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 parent who is mentally ill may contribute sensitivity to a 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.
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