Description of the Targeted Subculture
A Psychiatric Technician “is a healthcare practitioner who supports the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental complications” (Boyd, 2008, p. 12). This caregiver “performs various duties such as observing, interacting, and treating mentally ill patients” (Boyd, 2008, p. 13). Such workers “should possess good problem-solving and decision-making skills” (Alakeson, Pande, & Ludwig, 2013, p. 1639). They “should also promote positive practices such as communication and collaboration” (Boyd, 2008, p. 72). I am planning to work in a Mental Health Institution. My goal is to become a Psychiatric Technician. This career will make it easier for me to support every patient. Patients with different mental problems form a unique subculture in the society.
Mental complications “disrupt people’s moods, abilities, and feelings” (Monagle & Thomasma, 2004, p. 23). Such individuals cannot achieve their objectives. Mental illnesses make it impossible for communities to achieve their goals. Some common mental diseases include “bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression” (Boyd, 2008, p. 28). This subculture “includes individuals of all ages, income levels, races, and backgrounds” (Monagle & Thomasma, 2004, p. 26). The society should not abuse these individuals (What is Mental Illness, 2014).
According to Goldman (2007, p. 48), “doctors and medical practitioners can treat these diseases successfully”. A positive treatment plan will identify the major issues associated with different mental problems. The next step is treating the targeted patient using the best Treatment Plan (What is Mental Illness, 2014). This approach will eventually produce the best outcomes. Members “of this subculture have the potential to achieve their goals and objectives” (Alakeson et al., 2013, p. 1640).
The society should understand the challenges affecting these individuals. The community should also be ready to support their needs. Good practices “such as exercises, positive communications, proper medications, and dietary intakes can produce the best results” (Monagle & Thomasma, 2004, p. 49). Stigma “discourages every member of this subculture” (Goldman, 2007, p. 37). The society should therefore respect and support members of this subculture.
Psychiatric Technicians should use their competencies to support the health needs of these patients. Such technicians “should work for 40 hours every week” (Boyd, 2008, p. 74). Members of this group require maximum support and care. Psychiatric Technicians should “also work as teams in order to deal with every violent patient” (Boyd, 2008, p. 76). According to Goldman (2007, p. 93), “there are numerous emotional challenges associated with this profession”. Every Psychiatric Technician should therefore embrace the best ideas and concepts.
Every member of this subculture requires the best medical attention. Psychiatric Technicians should develop the best Treatment Plans (TPs) for their patients. They should also implement such TPs in a professional manner. Psychiatric Technicians should “also communicate, interact, and collaborate with their workmates” (Boyd, 2008, p. 56).
My Lessons from the Interview
My respondent for the interview was a Psychiatric Technician. The caregiver was working in a mental healthcare facility. The facility was providing evidence-based services to individuals with various mental complications. The respondent answered my questions in a professional manner. This exercise made it easier for me to understand the opportunities and obstacles encountered by different Psychiatric Technicians (Goldman, 2007). I also identified the best strategies and practices that can make me competent Psychiatric Technician.
The first lesson gained from the exercise was the nature of my targeted position. The respondent analyzed the unique duties of a Psychiatric Technician. Psychiatric Technicians “should monitor the health challenges affecting their patients” (Monagle & Thomasma, 2004, p. 85). Such caregivers should also promote the best roles in order to improve the health expectations of their clients. The individual “should also treat, monitor, empower, and mentor his or her patients” (Monagle & Thomasma, 2004, p. 87). Psychiatric Technicians should also allocate more time in order to support every patient. Such caregivers “should also interact and communicate effectively with different doctors and nurses” (Goldman, 2007, p. 39).
The exercise also equipped me with unique skills and competencies that can support my career goals. Psychiatric Technicians “should have a basic knowledge in nursing” (Boyd, 2008, p. 54). The caregiver should be able to administer various medications. The “individuals should have the best skills in documentation and record-keeping” (Goldman, 2007, p. 39). I will improve these skills in order to achieve my career objectives. Such competences will make it easier for them to realize their goals.
Training is also necessary because it supports the objectives of different Psychiatric Technicians. This practice will encourage the caregivers to offer evidence-based support to every patient. The exercise also encouraged me “to treat every mental illness as a manageable condition” (Monagle & Thomasma, 2004, p. 85). Psychiatric Technicians should always support their clients using the best ideas and concepts. This practice will produce the best outcomes (Goldman, 2007). I am planning to widen my competencies and skills in the future. This interview supports the importance of different competencies and skills. My dream is to become a professional Psychiatric Technician. I will read more articles and book in order to improve my skills. This practice will eventually support my career goals.
Reference List
Alakeson, V., Pande, N., & Ludwig, M. (2013). A Plan to Reduce Emergency Room ‘Boarding’ of Psychiatric Patients. Health Affairs, 9(1), 1637-1642.
Boyd, M. (2008). Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice. New York, NY: Wiley.
Goldman, H. (2007). The Dilemma of Federal Mental Health Policy: Radical Reform or Incremental Change. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
Monagle, J., & Thomasma, D. (2004). Health Care Ethics: Critical Issues for the 21st Century. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
What is Mental Illness: Mental Illness Facts. (2014). Web.
Appendix
Notes
- Mental illnesses are common in every cultural background.
- Doctors and caregivers can deal with such illnesses using the best treatment methods.
- Psychiatric Technicians should possess the best competencies and skills in order to support the health needs of their patients.
- Mentally ill patients form a unique subculture in the society.
- This subculture requires the best support and care in order to achieve its objectives.
- The possession of various competencies will support the needs and goals of different Psychiatric Technicians.
Interview Questions
- What is your position in this healthcare institution?
- Should Psychiatric Technicians possess unique competencies and skills?
- What aspects define the mentally ill subculture?
- How can I prepare myself to become a professional Psychiatric Technician?
- What suggestions and recommendations can make a person successful in this field?