Tell Me, What Is a Best Practice in Psychiatric Nursing?
Abstract
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association Editorial Tell Me, What Is a Best Practice in Psychiatric Nursing? O ver the course of my years as a nurse, I have had he opportunity of listening to many clients re- count memorable experiences they had with nurses. Some people want to talk about the nurse midwife who delivered their first child. Others are quick to remember their times as a child with the school nurse. And some, usually in moments most extraordinary, unfold a story of a nurse who was instrumental in healing during an episode of mental illness. The shared stories most celebrated in my mind of- fer exemplars describing aspects of excellence. The stories most deeply touching to me are those carried within the heart of an individual from a time and place long past. One story recounted to me recently was from a man in his early nineties who spoke with great deference, warmth, and respect of a nurse who cared for his dying father more than 70 years ago. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the work of nurses often leaves an imprint in the memories of those in our care. When it comes to