Mental Health in Finland

i had the privilege of seeing how inpatient Mental Health services work this week. we had a visit to the local Mental Health unit and had a guided tour. it was fascinating. the similarities and diferences apparent made me realise how Mental Illness and Mental Health have developed. in Finland the nurses wear uniforms (with candles) which never happens in the UK. however, medications were similar and so were the talking therapies. the unit was very spacious and light which is a far cry from some inner city Units. we were lucky to speak with one of the charge nurses and get some information on how the legal system works. as far as mentoring goes i can see similarities and am going to see how the standards vary.

nearly there

it feels quite hectic with all the work going on. i didn't realise how much thought and attention to detail some of the groups are putting in. its interesting having a student led conference and watching them form the structure of what will happen. its a difficult assessment to manage as everyone is inputting different things and at different levels. i have learnt that having a structure, tasking, communicating and developing ideas has certainly helped in our presentation. i really enjoy the creative aspects and in a way appears never ending as their is always something to contribute. i am sure the conference will go well and will be a success.

Editing

I didn't realise how much preparation and time the digital story can take. It is hard work but I really enjoy it and I think if you really enjoy something you put more effort in. I also found a blogger app for mobiles (apple and android) so can put posts up easier.

MINE 2012: end of week 1

its the end of week one and i can't believe how quickly it is going. i really enjoy the creative and positive atmosphere of the group and environment. their is an equality amongst the students, mentors and academics that encourages sharing of ideas and thoughts that i haven't experienced before. i think this is a good learning environment as it helps develop everyone by recognising they can bring something of value from their experience to the group.

on reflection i have realised i feel very comfortable and trusting within the group as normally i wouldn't lend my camera out or leave my laptop in the class (it feel very different to London!). i am glad that others wish to take pictures and explore photography, especially as this links in with the digital stories. everyone is very respectful and wishes to make the MINE project work for them and the group.

i liked the session on developing a digital story as this taps into a creative aspect we all have. sometimes assessment can feel dry (e.g. essays) and telling a story is so much more meaningful and natural to us. it certainly helps with any language barriers as an image can say so much. we are surrounded by images all the time and making sense out of them and constructing ideas is something that fascinates me.

the digital story has made me think more about the representation and interpretation of ideas. i did want to do a project on the visual representation of mental health and this week has certainly guided me. thank you!

MINE Day 2

today's session on learning through the web, digital stories etc was interesting. i think these approaches can be used in the classroom and in the clinical setting for staff and patients to explore meaning and experience. it does require a degree of IT savvy but their are alway good people around to help.

i also realised today it is so nice being a student! having the opportunity to think, create, socialise, learn etc is really enjoyable. i feel i can think about things in a creative and enjoyable way. this is due to the positive atmosphere of the group and environment.

learning about the erasmus project was interesting as i didn't realise it was 23 years old and had over 2 million students involved. having such a rich and diverse background made me feel very positive about nursing as in the UK services and the NHS are going massive changes (not all for the best).

the culture fair was amazing with all the food/drink and i felt it was a really good way to get to know a bit more about others.  just from chatting i learnt more about culture, history, likes, dislikes. nice photos too.

MINE Day One

meeting and greeting everybody one day one was fun. i enjoyed the different games played at the end of the day were interesting!

on the medical wards i couldn't help noticing the wards were quite and looked very clinical in the white decor. i was surprised to see nurses in socks and open shoes as thins would never be the case in England. after talking with Dominic i discovered that Patient Comfort is placed very highly. this appeared in contrast to how they value there own health as i heard that Manual handling (i.e. transferring patients in beds) isn't as formal is UK as nurses used their back to lift here.

other key points were Danish nurses intubating patients without anesthesia and a diary kept by all staff of patients to give them later. the same done for mental health. as a mental health nurse i think a diary would be an excellent way for patients to later reflect and help understand their 'journey' and mental illness.

the 'cell' in A&E rather shocked me as this would be illegal in the UK. strick laws would say that it would have to be monitored 24/7 by a professional and and part of the Mental Health Act to be used. this made me think of the difference in culture and the Finnish being more open to disclosing mental health issues and seeking help. i did notice the standards on the wards were very high and seemed calm!

i think the main thinks that were prominent for me today was diversity/culture and how this influences attitudes and care.

Arrived!

Well, after 20hrs of traveling (taxi, walk, bus, tube, wait, plane, long wait, plane, car) we made it and Finland looks beautiful. Not much sleep but coffee and a fresh morning has us ready for our first day.