Authors

  1. Hawkins, Laura DNP, PMHNP-BC, NCC

Article Content

When psychiatric nursing clinical experiences for prelicensure students are of necessity held outside of inpatient psychiatric specialty units, it can be challenging to expose students to the mental health continuum of care. This activity was conducted with a psychiatric nursing clinical group and residents of a county home to model a psychoeducational group. A sign-up sheet was provided for residents to attend a 45-minute group on 4 successive weeks. The group was titled "Grow Resilience: Body, Mind, Emotions, Friendships." Each student was paired with a resident with whom they attended each group. The groups began with an icebreaker to promote a sense of comfort and connection. The instructor and a senior student coleader introduced topics, provided brief education, and facilitated a series of activities. Some activities were completed by the group as a whole. Others were designed for the student-resident pair to complete together. The skills taught were planned to benefit the students as well as residents by giving them practical tools, such as relaxation, that they can apply themselves and teach to future patients. Working in pairs with residents on a structured activity gave students the opportunity to coach their resident and engage in therapeutic conversations at a deeper level than they would otherwise. This activity could be adapted to other areas of nursing such as diabetes education.