| GREENFIELD — Robyn Miller, MSN, APRN, BC, manager of Franklin Medical Center’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, recently gave a presentation on “Trauma-informed Treatment of Suicidal and Self-harming Behaviors on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit,” at the American Psychiatric Nurses Assoc. Conference in Phoenix, Ariz.
More than 700 psychiatric nurses from the U.S., Canada, and England attended the conference. Speaking to an audience of 200, Miller reviewed current literature on the importance of recognizing the impact of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse on the lives of psychiatric patients. She outlined how FMC’s inpatient team has designed a treatment plan that takes into account a patient’s history of trauma and individualized treatment needs, stressing the importance of not re-traumatizing patients during their hospital experience.
“This model, which includes specific tools for staff to use in supporting patients, provides us with a consistent way to recognize and note when our patients have a history of trauma, and to plan their treatment accordingly,” said Miller. “Ours is a strength-based model of care, in which we work collaboratively with each patient to build on his or her particular assets. This is especially important for those who have a traumatic experience in their lives, as it enables them to take greater control of their symptoms and lives.” |
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