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What is a day on the job being a psychiatrist?
I am a senior student at Brenna High School who is interested in being a psychiatrist. I often wonder what it is like and what the job entails. #psychiatry #human-resources
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Angela’s Answer
Hello Payton!
There are so many variable aspects to my job as a psychiatrist and these aspects can and do change from day to day. I should clarify that the responsibilities of an inpatient psychiatrist are different than those of an outpatient psychiatrist. The patients who are admitted to the hospital are generally considered to be acute. I don't want to insult your intelligence, but in my business acute essentially means they're in some sort of immediate crisis. These crises often cannot be managed without inpatient care and stabilization. My job is to utilize certain standards of care in an attempt to bring the patient back to their baseline level of functioning. Standards of care in Medicine vary by the type of Medicine the physician practices. In general, most psychiatrists would agree that patients who have lost touch with reality (they're psychotic), would benefit from taking an antipsychotic medication. There are several medications and the choice to use one over the other depends not only on the delivery system to the body, but potential side effects, genetics, and even personal preference and experience of the psychiatrist. I provide quality care by conducting an initial evaluation of the new patient which involves gathering information about what prompted the admission to the hospital. After gathering this information I now have a better sense of which direction I would like to take in managing each individual patient. Ideally, within a few days the patient is back to him/herself and able to function in society again. I hope this helps!
There are so many variable aspects to my job as a psychiatrist and these aspects can and do change from day to day. I should clarify that the responsibilities of an inpatient psychiatrist are different than those of an outpatient psychiatrist. The patients who are admitted to the hospital are generally considered to be acute. I don't want to insult your intelligence, but in my business acute essentially means they're in some sort of immediate crisis. These crises often cannot be managed without inpatient care and stabilization. My job is to utilize certain standards of care in an attempt to bring the patient back to their baseline level of functioning. Standards of care in Medicine vary by the type of Medicine the physician practices. In general, most psychiatrists would agree that patients who have lost touch with reality (they're psychotic), would benefit from taking an antipsychotic medication. There are several medications and the choice to use one over the other depends not only on the delivery system to the body, but potential side effects, genetics, and even personal preference and experience of the psychiatrist. I provide quality care by conducting an initial evaluation of the new patient which involves gathering information about what prompted the admission to the hospital. After gathering this information I now have a better sense of which direction I would like to take in managing each individual patient. Ideally, within a few days the patient is back to him/herself and able to function in society again. I hope this helps!
Updated
Kayleen’s Answer
Hello Payton!
It entails meeting with patients one at a time. Asking them how they are feeling mentally, physically and emotionally. The patient may be asked to complete a survey or self inventory of questions around their energy level, thoughts, sleep habits etc. Reviewing the patient's current prescription regimen and determining if changes need to be made to medications.
It entails meeting with patients one at a time. Asking them how they are feeling mentally, physically and emotionally. The patient may be asked to complete a survey or self inventory of questions around their energy level, thoughts, sleep habits etc. Reviewing the patient's current prescription regimen and determining if changes need to be made to medications.