Mental Health Clinical Day One

When I think about caring for those with mental health issues I think of all white padded rooms and straight jackets.  However, after learning about mental illness and going to my first clinical at RICA my views have changed quite a bit.  My original views were developed from a lack of prior knowledge in the mental health area.  I now have more respect and understanding for psychiatric patients, the nurses and other staff that helps care for them. Additionally, I feel that I gained a more accurate view of mental health institutions as a whole and the level of care and patience that goes into caring for these patients.