I realized that it has been some time since I've posted about myself or my recent experiences as a new-ish Psychiatric NP. So, I've decided to change that. This a blog after all.
How Others Feel Like I Am Doing
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How I Feel Like I'm Doing
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Most days, I can handle what comes my way. I may not have all the answers but I am able to hold my own, making sound treatment choices for my clients.
I have my strengths after all. Psychotherapeutic practices have always come fairly easily to me. I can typically get a sense of where someone is at emotionally, validate their current state, and start to work with them on building their coping skills without much hesitation. My experience as an educator has proven itself invaluable every day - everything from making accessible handouts to teaching symptom management skills.
I also have my 'areas of opportunity' (which sounds nicer than weaknesses). My memory is a constant issue for me. It has always been problematic, but now its come to the fore. I have trouble recalling titration schedules, client's faces, etc... So, I do what I can. I create grids, I keep a PDF copy of Stahl's book open on my computer's desktop, I checkout the photocopy of their license right before I head to the waiting area, and frequently, I ask others for help. It is such a blessing to have found a workplace where the staff is not only friendly, but supportive.
I have my strengths after all. Psychotherapeutic practices have always come fairly easily to me. I can typically get a sense of where someone is at emotionally, validate their current state, and start to work with them on building their coping skills without much hesitation. My experience as an educator has proven itself invaluable every day - everything from making accessible handouts to teaching symptom management skills.
I also have my 'areas of opportunity' (which sounds nicer than weaknesses). My memory is a constant issue for me. It has always been problematic, but now its come to the fore. I have trouble recalling titration schedules, client's faces, etc... So, I do what I can. I create grids, I keep a PDF copy of Stahl's book open on my computer's desktop, I checkout the photocopy of their license right before I head to the waiting area, and frequently, I ask others for help. It is such a blessing to have found a workplace where the staff is not only friendly, but supportive.
I recently had my first 6 month evaluation and it was... wonderful! The head of my department is an approachable person who 'shoots from the hip'. I trust that she is upfront with me about areas I might improve my practice, and expected to hear quite a bit of that during our chat. But, instead I was left nearly speechless, bowled over by her overwhelmingly positive comments, each with specific examples. Truth be told, I hadn't even realized anyone was paying attention. Providers in our department are fairly independent, each with their own office and caseload. My work easily could have gone unnoticed... and didn't.
The positive feedback hasn't stopped there. I have had other providers and staff say supportive things casually in conversation about my performance or approach since that time. I literally had a fellow provider tell me she was happy I was working in the office.
This all serves as a reminder that a single kind word or some positive feedback can go a long way to provide encouragement to my peers and to my clients.
This all serves as a reminder that a single kind word or some positive feedback can go a long way to provide encouragement to my peers and to my clients.
