ABOUT SANDRA
“I believe that therapeutic alliance is a core part
of the nursing role and key to attaining positive
outcomes for my clients.”
Sandra’s Profile
Pleasure to Meet You
My name is Sandra Grant, and I am a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a wide range of experience in crisis prevention intervention, assessments, and discharge, with knowledge of monitoring the treatment of patients diagnosed with a wide range of illnesses, disabilities, and distress. Currently, I am employed as a Charge Nurse, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a busy hospital unit and ensuring compliance with the establishment’s policies and procedures.
Personal Philosophy
As a dedicated healthcare provider, my journey in nursing has profoundly shaped the practitioner I am today. Nursing is not just what we do, but an extension of our compassion and commitment to others. My continuous journey in nursing begins with a fundamental act: listening to the needs of each individual. Through my extensive experience, I have come to understand that mental health cannot be mended by a single pill, but through a holistic approach involving continuous care, therapy, and management.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I hold a deep obligation to my patients and to myself to adhere to the standards set by the ANCC and other governing bodies, including their stringent code of ethics. Utilizing evidence-based practices is essential to ensure that each individual receives the best possible care tailored to their unique needs.
Mental Health decline
Life is a tapestry of experiences, each thread contributing to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Adapting to new environments, coping with loss, embracing additions, and experiencing personal growth are all significant factors that can influence our mental state. Unrealistic expectations whether imposed by ourselves or others can contribute to mental decline, underscoring the importance of nurturing realistic goals and self-compassion.
Emotional forces
Emotions are at the core of our human experience. As stated by Russell (2003), core affect is a continuous process in the brain, providing essential feedback on the pleasure or displeasure and arousal value of stimuli. Emotional feelings are complex and can be influenced by various processes, yet they cannot be created without the intricate dynamics of brain structures (Edelman & Tononi, 2000). Understanding the origins and nature of emotional experiences is crucial in providing empathetic and effective care.
Labels
Labeling individuals based on their mental and behavioral states can be detrimental and counterproductive. Instead, we must strive to explore, learn, and understand mental disorders and how to treat and live with them. Recognizing and addressing mental crises with empathy and understanding is essential, as these crises impact us all.
Stigma
Stigmatizing attitudes about mental illness are unfortunately pervasive, especially in the Western world. Misconceptions about mental health conditions and their causes, such as smoking or alcoholism, contribute to this stigma. Research indicates that direct contact with individuals who have mental illnesses can reduce stigmatizing attitudes (54,57). By fostering a better understanding and acceptance of those with mental illnesses, we can diminish stigma and promote a more inclusive and supportive community.
Biological, social, and psychological basis
Understanding the biological, social, and psychological foundations of a patient's problems is paramount. We are complex beings, each with our own unique blend of experiences and characteristics. We must recognize that we are part of a larger whole, yet each of us remains an individual with distinct needs and strengths. Some of us are humble, some possess a great sense of humor, and each trait contributes to our individuality. There are no inherently good or bad mental health practitioners; rather, we must all strive for continuous improvement and growth. This relentless pursuit of excellence is not just for our own benefit but for the well-being of our patients and the community we serve.
Sandra’s Profile
Sandra is a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner
How I Approach Therapy
What Can You Expect from Our First Session?
HIGHLIGHTS
