Acute inpatient

Acute inpatient units provide assessment and treatment for adults (18+) who are experiencing an acute phase within a broad range of mental health issues. All aspects of the person’s health and social care needs are assessed and treated within a caring, supportive, structured and therapeutic environment. People are treated with value and respect, encouraging independence and support for the individual to function at their optimal level.

At times acute wards can appear noisy and hectic with acutely unwell patients; there may be occasions when students witness incidents of both verbal and physical aggression and self-harm.

Key learning opportunities/skills development

• Gaining an understanding of signs and symptoms of mental ill health and how they are treated.
  
• Holistic assessment of needs, including the assessment of risk.
  
• Gaining an understanding of provision of basic nursing care including admission, assessment and discharge process.
  
• Planning and implementation of care, including the management of risk.
  
• Clinical decision making.
  
• Communication and MDT working.
  
• Medication management.
  
• Record keeping.