Sarah van Oosten, RN
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
- 5/22/2012
Visit to relatives in Netherlands leaves a lasting impression: Always trust the nurse’s response
Nurse Sarah Van Oosten loves her husband’s family dearly, and recently traveled to the Netherlands to share a relaxing vacation with them. But those best-laid plans almost went off the rails when she discovered a sore (curse those tight shoes) at the base of her big toe had become badly inflamed and swollen, and Sarah was forced to exercise her nursing instinct. - 10/3/2011
Mental health: Out of the shadows, part II
What would you do if you needed to take some time off work due to a mental illness? Would you be honest with your employer and co-workers, knowing you may be perceived differently? Would you lie, saying you were in a car accident or had a physical illness, and take the chance that you may be found out? Stigma is alive and well in the world of mental illness, though you may be surprised about what happens when you simply tell the truth. - 9/14/2011
Mental health—out of the shadows
The use of self-disclosure in the nurse-client relationship is widely accepted if done in an appropriate and professional manner. Personally, I feel it helps build rapport and can help the client feel understood, allowing him or her to open up more fully. - 7/19/2011
Benefits to homelessness?!?
There are times when I look at my homeless clients with envy. If they stay at a shelter, they do not have to pay for their accommodation. They can come to our clinic and pick up toiletries, socks, vitamins and a variety of over-the-counter medications free of charge. They can sit leisurely on the beach, in a park or at the library, not having to worry about responsibilities. Yes, at times this lifestyle appeals to me! - 6/14/2011
'Touchy-feely?'
As RNs we are becoming increasingly removed from rapport-building physical care such as bathing, and helping with toileting and dressing. We are, however, making key decisions for in-hospital care and after-care. But are we truly bonding with these patients/clients/residents? I would like to know how many nurses out there actually touch their patients. - 5/9/2011
On dealing with stigmas in our society
From my experience, even the most addicted, chronically homeless people are concerned about their image and do not want to be seen as a “junkie.” Paradoxically, I have heard several extremely judgmental comments made by the same people toward their fellow homeless and/or severely addicted counterparts: “no-good junkie,” “crackhead” and “loser,” to name a few. - 3/30/2011
Not Taking it Home
When I meet people and they ask me what I do for a living, I get a variety of reactions. One common question I am asked is “how do you not take it home?” - 3/7/2011
The art of cutting people off
At the end of the day, after the clinic has closed, I hear other staff going out the door as I label specimens, fill out forms and pound away on the keyboard, ensuring each interaction with each client is well-documented. And I am stressed! So, this past week, I decided I would have to limit the time I spend with each client.
