As the same for Module 3, these interviews are intended for peer learning and are not to be shared with a broader audience. This interview was inspired by the Robinson article, which speaks to the anomaly of male psychiatric nurses. For context, George began his career (more than 30 years ago) in geriatric psychiatry and later transitioned into adult psychiatry at Alberta Hospital. This brief interview provides more information on the working responsibilities of psychiatric nurses, inservice training, unique tasks as a male nurse, and he shares two stories with patients.
I deeply respect and appreciate the work my parents have done in psychiatry. I think it requires a lot of patience and perspective. George finishes the interview by emphasizing how important it is to take things lightly. He also incorporates a bit of humour into his response, which I think is needed in this line of work. As Robinson disclosed, we will need to ensure that we are attracting new, younger nurses into geriatric psychiatry as there appears to be an aging out of the work force (2010). Alas, my parents have both retired in the last 5 years.
References:
Robinson, K. M. (2010). Policy issues in mental health among the elderly. Nursing Clinics of North America. 45 (4) 627-624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2010.06.005
Mental Health Policy for Older Adults 