Q: Name and title?
A: Christine Olge, I’m currently the nursing manager of the psychiatric unit at this facility [prominent non-profit hospital in Orange county].
Q:What was your graduating class?
A: Spring 2010.
Q: What made you get into mental health nursing?
A: Well, I first wanted to go into nursing because my daughter was born with a medical condition, so I wanted to become a medical/ telemetry nurse. When I graduated, it was hard to find jobs, so I started off as a nurse in a detox facility in Riverside. I realized it was right where I needed to be. Although I originally wanted to be a medical nurse, I loved psych nursing. From there, I came to work here at [orange county hospital], and then became manager.
Q: What are the positive aspects of psychiatric nursing?
A: It makes you really grateful. You gain a better appreciation of what you have in your life, after spending time interacting with your patients. You realize you can make a positive impact that will last after they are discharged. Also, we don’t have to deal with bodily fluids [laughter].
Q: What are the negative aspects of psychiatric nursing?
A: Patients do come back frequently, because of non- compliance to their medications. They start feeling better and having more energy, and then they decide that they don’t need it anymore until they go through a crisis. Also, it can become very emotionally draining or tiring at times.
Q: Where there any mentors or professors that helped you out during your time as a student, or that stood out to you?
A:Theresa SImbro, Dale Mixer, Gina Giroux. Being part of B.O.D., so the other B.O.D. members.
Q: Any advice for students who are interested in getting into psych?
A: Learn to set limits. Know your personality, and learn to draw the line between yourself and patients. No staff splitting! Stay connected with your co-workers, because some patients may tell you stuff about another that isn’t true. Also, at [prominent non-profit orange country hospital], we will be starting a new graduate transitional program for new nurses who are interested in psych.
Q: Any advice for SAC RN students in general?
A: Get a study group! Competition is not important. Get a study group and support each other.
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