The Role Of Nurses And Support Workers At An Elderly...

Appendices: Appendix A Mr A is a 66 year old gentleman recently admitted to an Elderly Mental Infirm (EMI) unit. In my first encounter with Mr A, he appeared both distressed and unsettled, and was walking around the EMI unit with his bags packed, making numerous attempts to escape through doors and by climbing over fences in the garden. After staff began to approach Mr A, signs of aggression arose, such as: pointing, moving close to staff members, having clenched teeth and breathing rapidly. It was now the role of the nurses and support workers to de-escalate the situation, by regaining control until the situation developed into a violent incident. I knew very little about Mr A and therefore had little knowledge on how he would respond and react to requests. My initial feelings were negative due to my inexperience in dealing with individuals who have diagnosed mental illness; and the stigma that exists alongside mental health- with patients often thought as deviant, challenging, and with negative behavioural traits. Whilst the nurses and support workers on the unit seemed unphased by his behaviour and were confident and consistent in answering and responding to Mr A, I was unsure of what to say that would help. It was stressful and, as a first year student, I felt inadequately trained to deal with the experience. I also felt I had a responsibility to assist in the situation, and was equally worried as how the nurses and the other staff members- such as the support workers on