One of the biggest reasons patients fail is because they do not comply with medication for various reasons. As a psychiatric nurse, success may come in very minute ways. One of my happiest moments involved teaching a mentally ill patient how to do his own fingerstick. The patient was ecstatic when he successfully mastered this task. Engaging in recreational activities with patients allows for different kinds of interactions and responses.
Patients are apt to ventilate their feelings in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Spending time in this manner helps build a rapport with the patient, allows for intimate and personal observations, aids in accurate assessment, and helps identify problems. I strongly advise mental health professionals to allot themselves this quality time. It greatly enhances the patient-nurse relationship. Talk to patients' families. Take the time to talk with families over the phone or when they come to visit the patient.