Learning objectives
Before you move on, be able to...
- Identify the five stages of psychiatric recovery?
- Define "Universal Precaution" as it relates to trauma-informed care?
- Explain why person-first language is a clinical standard in Ontario? [4, 1.3]
Lesson block
The Philosophy: Recovery as a Journey, Not a Destination
Recovery is a nonlinear process where individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. It is not defined by a "cure," but by the presence of hope and the ability to find meaning even in the presence of serious mental illness.
The Five Stages of PMH Recovery:
Starting Treatment: Realizing help is needed.
Mental Illness Education: Learning about the illness and coping skills.
Making a Change: Implementing lifestyle and environmental shifts.
Finding New Meaning: Exploring joy and building new support networks.
Sticking with Recovery: Persistent self-care and long-term planning.
Lesson block
Interactive Interface: "The Stigma Eraser"
The Interaction: Click on the stigmatizing labels below to transform them into Person-First Language [4, 1.5, 450].
Stigmatizing Label (The Stigma)
Person-First Language (The Recovery Tool)
"Denny is an old junkie."
"Denny is a person who has been in recovery for ten years" [4, 1.3].
"The Schizophrenic in Room 4."
"The client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia" [4, 1.3].
"Mari is an ex-addict."
Lesson block
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC): The Universal Precaution
In psychiatric nursing, we apply Universal Precaution to trauma. Since we cannot know everything a person has experienced, we treat all clients with the assumption that they have a trauma history. This approach reduces the risk of re-traumatization—a state where the current care environment makes the client feel as if their past trauma is reoccurring.
The Six Core Principles of TIC:
Safety: Ensuring physical and psychological safety for clients and staff.
Trustworthiness and Transparency: Clear, honest communication regarding unit rules and treatment.
Peer Support: Utilizing individuals with shared lived experiences to promote healing.
Collaboration and Mutuality: Leveling power differences between staff and clients.
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Supporting the client’s right to make their own decisions.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Moving past stereotypes to provide sensitive care.
Lesson block
Strength-Based Engagement
A Recovery-oriented nurse focuses on a client's strengths rather than their deficits. During your initial assessment, you should look for the client's "Source of Strength".
Questions that Propel Hope:
"What keeps you going when things are difficult?"
"What would your friends say are your biggest strengths?"
"What are your hopes for the future?"
Practice transfer
Apply this before the next lesson
Write one sentence you would say to a patient, one sentence you would document, and one question you would bring to supervision or team handoff.