In CY2001, the U.S. Army's psychiatric nursing students will begin training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Hospitalization is limited to voluntary, eligible patients. The exception is the active duty patient, who may be involuntarily hospitalized using the DODD 6490.1 and DODD 6490.4 as guidelines. The sources of the admissions are quite diverse. In keeping with the principle of utilizing the least restrictive environment for the treatment of acute severe psychiatric conditions, the service is very aggressive in evaluating and reducing target symptoms with psychopharmacological agents.
Regression is discouraged.
Defenses are supported with appropriate medical, psychological and environmental interventions. The patients are assessed in a timely fashion by the psychiatrists, nursing staff, social workers, occcupational therapists, art therapists, recreational therapist and a substance abuse counselor using discipline specific methods. The results of the individual and group assessment are compiled and the recommended treatment plans are formulated and implemented with the patient's informed consent by the multidisciplinary team. Self-care and social interactions are strongly encouraged. The patient, the family and, as appropriate, the service member's Command, are all included in the education process.