Training
The first step on the road is getting into the right training. Training comes in different shapes and sizes, each with its own merits. It is crucial to pick a course that gels well with your needs, personality and goals. For some, the best course of action could be going to school and studying mental health courses like a Masters in Mental Health Nursing, working part-time in the field or a combination of the two.
In the field of mental healthcare, learning never stops. Even after you’ve completed your initial training, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest developments; research is ongoing. On that note, they say, ‘proper planning prevents poor performance,’ so plan what you want to study, where you want to do it and what outcome you want. Talk to others who are already where you want to be and work backwards.
Skills
What are the core skills of every care worker?
1. Good judgement
At the end of the day, a lot comes down to good judgment, but don’t fear; contrary to what some may tell you, it is a learnable skill. It is essentially the ability to make wise decisions on the go. In mental healthcare, this means decisions that are in the client’s best interest.
It’s about knowing what to do and when to do it. Good judgment is a skill that can be developed over time. According to London Business Schools‘ Sir Andrew Likierman, judgement can be broken down into three key areas.
- Listen attentively and read critically – good judgement involves a good grasp of how to turn knowledge into understanding; read carefully, don’t be misled and make sure you come to the best conclusion possible based on the evidence presented.
- Seek alternative views – in the age of echo chambers, many have a tendency to surround themselves with others who share the same views. The problem? They most likely share the same ideas and views as us. The result? Horizons fail to broaden.
- Experience – good judgement calls make more good judgment calls, but the same goes for bad ones. Make a call, stick by it and regardless of if it works out or not, confidence builds.
2. Building therapeutic relations
This requires empathy, understanding and clear communication skills over time. It’s about getting to know a patient; understanding what kind of lives they live and what they really want from their perspective is invaluable. It gives healthcare workers insight to understand how to provide the best possible care for the individual because it is the individual that matters.
3. Problem-solving skills
It is critical to be able to think on your feet to identify problems and come up with different solutions. It also requires time management and patience, but it’s something that all mental healthcare workers try to improve. Working in mental healthcare can be challenging, and it requires a lot of patience. But with the right skills and the right attitude, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
4. Crisis intervention
Crisis intervention is the first line of defense during a mental health emergency. It’s about calming the person, understanding their problem, and finding immediate solutions. The goal is to prevent harm and make sure the person gets directed to the right care as soon as possible.
Responsibilities
Mental healthcare workers can be responsible for many parts of another person’s life. Yes, it’s a big responsibility and privilege, but we can break it down into manageable chunks.
Mental health workers help patients with their daily needs and work with other healthcare professionals to create treatment plans, plans which designate different jobs to different experts, so don’t worry. It’s not all on your shoulders.
Care workers give medication and keep an eye on patients’ physical and mental health, reporting back to psychiatrists and psychologists. They watch for changes in behavior and assess risks to the patient and others. Building trust with patients and especially their families is also a big part of the job; it fosters a better sense of care and connection. Overall, mental health professionals play an invaluable role in promoting and maintaining the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. They can work in many different places, like hospitals, clinics, schools, private practices and community centers.
Caring matters
The unfortunate fact is that anxiety, depression and myriad disorders are a byproduct of our modern world. It doesn’t have to be that way; the more people who commit themselves to the cause, the better outcomes will get, and the more vulnerable in our society can get the help they need. Mental healthcare is not just a 9 to 5; It’s a passion, a passion that draws
It’s also a stable job, a smart career choice with plenty of room to develop yourself and your skills. Hard work pays off, and the connection you make with clients can change everyone for the better.
