A Journey of compassion: Overcoming challenges in psychiatric nursing
Unprecedented times
Amidst the B.C. nursing crisis, nurses faced extraordinary challenges that put immense strain on the health care system. Shedding light on this crisis, MPA Society, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges, emphasizes the need for collaboration within our community to address these challenges and attract more individuals to the field of psychiatric nursing.
The seismic shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the nursing profession. Rebecca Hansen, Director of Operations at MPA Society, highlighted the immense dedication of nurses, stating, “Nurses bravely stepped onto the frontlines, shouldering increased responsibilities for the health and safety of both staff and patients. Their workloads expanded exponentially without the necessary increase in staffing.” However, nurses and mental health workers met these circumstances head-on, demonstrating resilience and unwavering dedication to their professions and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.
Making strides towards an equitable and inclusive profession
To attract more individuals to the field of psychiatric nursing, it is crucial to shine a spotlight on the profession itself. By fostering collaboration among government, educational institutions and health care organizations, we can provide essential resources and support to aspiring psychiatric nurses and raise awareness about the value they bring to the health care system.
Recognizing the financial obstacles that aspiring psychiatric nurses may face, the Douglas College Foundation’s Fundraising Priority focuses on creating annual bursaries for students in the Psychiatric Nursing program. These bursaries will serve as a vital lifeline, removing barriers to education and making the program more accessible to all potential applicants. The bursaries can empower future leaders in research, advocacy and support programs, fostering a more equitable and inclusive profession.
Nick Blackman, Executive Director of MPA Society, emphasizes the impact of bursaries, stating, “A bursary can remove obstacles for somebody that wishes to pursue a career in psychiatric nursing. It is an excellent way to bring attention to the program and recruit people who may not have otherwise known about the profession.” Furthermore, with the support of the Douglas College Foundation, MPA Society honours those who embody the philosophy of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) through awards of distinction, generating further publicity for the profession and highlighting the transformative work they do.
Looking forward to the future of Psychiatric Nursing
As leaders in the industry, MPA Society believes that investing in the education and support of aspiring psychiatric nurses is essential to ensuring a sustainable supply of qualified professionals. "While theoretical knowledge is crucial, the most valuable learning experiences occur during students' practicum and preceptorship,” explains Nick Blackman. “These practical learning experiences provide invaluable opportunities to dispel myths surrounding mental health and substance challenges, foster empathy and allow students to align their values with their future work.”
By addressing financial barriers and providing learning experiences, we can strengthen the psychiatric nursing profession. The dedication of students, coupled with ongoing support and guidance, will shape the future of mental health care, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.
Together, our community can build a future where psychiatric nurses are recognized for their invaluable contributions, and where the mental health needs of individuals are met with compassion, dignity and the support they deserve.
The Douglas College Foundation would like to thank the MPA Society for supporting our Fundraising Priority for Psychiatric Nursing students. If you would like to make an impact on our Psychiatric Nursing students, please visit our Fundraising Priority Webpage.