Česky
Markéta chose the nursing profession because she likes working with people. Since psychiatric care is largely based on an empathetic approach to the patient, the offer of the position of psychiatric nurse at the Centre for Mental Rehabilitation (CDR) was a challenge for her. She has been working in the psychiatric ward for over a year, now as a station nurse. "It gives me pleasure to see the healing shift in patients who have been admitted to our ward in a non-emergency acute condition," she says.
What impresses you most about psychiatry?
Certainly finding out how many people among us suffer from some mental illness or impaired mental state. In our lives, we can often encounter people with mental illness and yet have no idea of their condition. Thanks to my experience and also the knowledge I have gained during my time at CDR, I am now much better able to recognise and understand that someone may be going through a more difficult time mentally. Alternatively, I can also provide immediate support if the situation allows. On our ward, it is always encouraging to see a positive shift in patients who have been admitted to us at some acute stage of their mental health problem and leave in a much improved mental state after receiving treatment. Personally, it motivates me a lot to continue to educate myself in this field so that I can help as many people as possible.
You came to the field of psychiatry from a setting where treatment is more focused on the body than the soul. That is why you are now furthering your qualifications in the Specialist Training Programme in Psychiatric Nursing, which has been running at CDR since February this year. How are you enjoying your studies?
Psychiatry is a very complex field and it is definitely necessary to continuously expand your knowledge. The study is quite intensive and provides a very detailed insight into the field. The great thing is that the compulsory practical part of the programme, which follows on from the theoretical part, takes place in the context of my work on the ward. In addition, I personally benefit from the fact that we have lecturers who are colleagues I meet during my work duties. This brings the programme to a very high level and also creates a certain home-like atmosphere. In addition, such cooperation helps to strengthen collegial relations in the workplace. However, it certainly does not mean that we get individual exams for "free" (smile), I consider it necessary to prepare honestly for each exam.
Since March this year you have been working as a station nurse in the department. How has the job changed for you?
The difficult part is that I now spend much less time with patients, as I have to concentrate mainly on ensuring the running of the ward. That involves, among other things, more frequent and detailed organisational communication with colleagues. However, this is the enjoyable part of my job and I enjoy it very much. I very much appreciate that before my appointment I had the opportunity to represent my excellent colleague and station nurse of the acute ward, Mgr. et Mgr. Eliska Pouskova. I gained valuable experience that helped me especially in the beginning.
With what vision did you take up the position of station nurse?
I am of the opinion that the nursing profession is a mission that can only be performed well if all the workers in the team are satisfied. Therefore, my priorities certainly include making sure that the staff on the ward enjoy their work, find it fulfilling and feel supported not only amongst themselves but especially by me. Just as I have that from my supervisors, who I can turn to whenever I need to. In other words, once an employee knows his role well and feels supported by his superiors, he is more confident in his position, which ultimately improves the overall atmosphere in the team. Similarly, at the Mental Rehabilitation Center, this works across departments where we all work closely together and help each other, which is a huge benefit for both personal and professional growth. When needed, co-workers will always make time for you.
What challenges came with the new position?
Being a good leader is one of the biggest challenges for me. That said, I must say that I am very happy to have a great team working in the department, which has gradually developed since we opened. We have all got on very well, which undoubtedly saves us a lot of trouble. Thank you all very much for their support and collegiality so far. I also appreciate and value the positive attitude of the whole team towards their work duties and patient care.
Working in psychiatry also brings difficult situations. How can these be dealt with?
This is part of the mutual support I described above. We try to make sure that no one on our ward ever feels alone and outside the collective, we communicate with each other, we listen to each other. Especially when, for example, someone witnesses or is directly involved in a disturbing event that may have also affected their personal life. For this purpose, we organise so-called supervision sessions so that we can ventilate the experience and work with it better.
Bc. Markéta Šatková, station nurse of the psychotherapy department
She lives in the Rokycany district and has been working as a nurse for eight years. She has been working in health care institutions since her studies at the secondary medical school and at the university. In her free time she likes to travel and visit interesting places. She also enjoys caring for animals. At home with her and her family live her dog Ejmy, her cat Cooper, her fish and she even has her own chickens and a sheep in her sister's garden. Time permitting, she relaxes with TV series.
