Post by Aurore Francois on Jun 11, 2016 2:44:12 GMT
Now here's a challenge for you...how do you put 12 amazing months of: learning about mental health, practicing mental health, meeting 14 awesome graduates, and being taught by inspiring educators into 500 words? Well I can't, so the following are just a few of the most memorable learning experiences during my graduate year.
Firstly, I've learnt about professional and ethical practice. There has been an emphasis on the mental health act and the national standards for mental health services. Particularly: treatment orders, using the least restrictive methods, offering real choices, involving clients in decisions about their treatment, confidentiality, recognizing the role of the carers and health promotion.
I’ve learnt what consumer-centered care really means. Mental health revolves around the life of the consumers, their story and their journey. I’ve felt very privileged to be part of the journey; especially when consumers share their experiences, emotions, needs and aspirations. At times it has been challenging to remain calm and serene on the acute ward, but I've learnt the importance of compassion, listening, validation, respect and getting involved.
I've also learnt the significance of working as a team. In particular communicating to peers about the clients and their progress. Having a positive attitude and being united when approaching clients. Sharing insights and asking for assistance from allied health staff. Supporting peers, students and clients when needed. Being consistent and committed to the tasks. Participating in clinical reviews, meetings and group activities.
Similarly, there has been a focus on problem solving and taking initiative. The shift leadership hurdle, nurse led group hurdle and working as case manager at a community mental health facility, has provided me with new skills. The experiences have taught me how to think critically about situations, introduced me to other supporting services, taught me how to be resourceful, how to ask for assistance, and to explore what has been done before.
The graduate program has also been a year of reflective practice. I have and continue to learn many things. I look back on past, actions, events, emotions, experiences and responses that I: mull over, analyze, evaluate, what worked what didn’t work and consider how it can be done better. Reflective practice informs my everyday actions, helps me to develop insights and reach a higher level of understanding.
Another important lesson learnt is that professional development is continuous. Whether it’s through MHPOD, University course, placements, clients, peers, preceptors or educators, learning is ongoing and it’s important to have the skills and knowledge for mental health practice. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about the history of mental health in Australia, the different age groups and domains of mental health, the various mental illnesses, and specifically the interventions that are used. It has been enriching and rewarding to listen to consumers tell their story during study days, placements and through video streaming. I understand that what I have learnt so far is only a foundation and “the tip of an iceberg”. I am very much looking forward to exploring mental health further and putting my knowledge into practice.
Firstly, I've learnt about professional and ethical practice. There has been an emphasis on the mental health act and the national standards for mental health services. Particularly: treatment orders, using the least restrictive methods, offering real choices, involving clients in decisions about their treatment, confidentiality, recognizing the role of the carers and health promotion.
I’ve learnt what consumer-centered care really means. Mental health revolves around the life of the consumers, their story and their journey. I’ve felt very privileged to be part of the journey; especially when consumers share their experiences, emotions, needs and aspirations. At times it has been challenging to remain calm and serene on the acute ward, but I've learnt the importance of compassion, listening, validation, respect and getting involved.
I've also learnt the significance of working as a team. In particular communicating to peers about the clients and their progress. Having a positive attitude and being united when approaching clients. Sharing insights and asking for assistance from allied health staff. Supporting peers, students and clients when needed. Being consistent and committed to the tasks. Participating in clinical reviews, meetings and group activities.
Similarly, there has been a focus on problem solving and taking initiative. The shift leadership hurdle, nurse led group hurdle and working as case manager at a community mental health facility, has provided me with new skills. The experiences have taught me how to think critically about situations, introduced me to other supporting services, taught me how to be resourceful, how to ask for assistance, and to explore what has been done before.
The graduate program has also been a year of reflective practice. I have and continue to learn many things. I look back on past, actions, events, emotions, experiences and responses that I: mull over, analyze, evaluate, what worked what didn’t work and consider how it can be done better. Reflective practice informs my everyday actions, helps me to develop insights and reach a higher level of understanding.
Another important lesson learnt is that professional development is continuous. Whether it’s through MHPOD, University course, placements, clients, peers, preceptors or educators, learning is ongoing and it’s important to have the skills and knowledge for mental health practice. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about the history of mental health in Australia, the different age groups and domains of mental health, the various mental illnesses, and specifically the interventions that are used. It has been enriching and rewarding to listen to consumers tell their story during study days, placements and through video streaming. I understand that what I have learnt so far is only a foundation and “the tip of an iceberg”. I am very much looking forward to exploring mental health further and putting my knowledge into practice.