I Cared For Serial Killers And Psychopaths In High Security Hospital | Minutes With | @LADbible​

Summary

The script recounts a nurse's journey in mental health, starting with a dramatic incident of assault during his first week and leading to a career at Broadmoor Hospital, where he encountered high-security patients with severe mental illnesses. He shares experiences of violence, the therapeutic use of art, and the emotional impact of witnessing self-harm and suicide. Despite challenges, he found joy in humor and the privilege of making a difference in patients' lives, ultimately continuing his commitment to mental health through voluntary work after retirement.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The interviewee started a career in mental health nursing after a life-changing incident at a cash and carry store where a customer died.
• 🌱 He felt compelled to pursue nursing as a way to cope with the guilt and helplessness he experienced after the incident.
• 📚 Initially without qualifications, he took a job at St Lawrence's Hospital in Cornwall, where he was exposed to a variety of mental health conditions.
• 🤝 He emphasizes the importance of building therapeutic relationships with patients and the challenges of managing violent incidents in a psychiatric setting.
• 🚑 The interviewee recounts a harrowing experience of being attacked by a patient, highlighting the physical risks of working in mental health care.
• 🎨 Art therapy is mentioned as a crucial tool for communication and trust-building with patients who struggle with expression.
• 🛡️ Training in control and restraint, as well as the use of shields, was essential for ensuring safety in high-secure environments like Broadmoor Hospital.
• 🏥 Broadmoor Hospital is portrayed as a last resort for patients who cannot be managed elsewhere due to the severity of their conditions or criminal backgrounds.
• 👮‍♂️ The interviewee describes Broadmoor as a place for criminals with mental health issues, who may move between prison and hospital depending on their treatment progress.
• 👀 He shares anecdotes of infamous patients, including celebrities, and the impact of media attention on their mental state.
• 💔 The most disturbing experiences mentioned include witnessing self-harm and suicide, which deeply affected him and raised questions about the limits of care.

Q & A

What was the initial incident that led Paul to consider a career in mental health nursing?

Paul's initial consideration for a career in mental health nursing came after witnessing a man collapse and die from a heart attack while he was working at a cash and carry store. His manager, an ex-retired mental health nurse, suggested that he pursue nursing due to how the incident affected him.

How did Paul's first experience at St Lawrence's Hospital impact him?

Paul's first experience at St Lawrence's Hospital was quite harrowing. He was attacked by a patient on his first week, which shook him up and taught him not to become complacent in such an environment.

What types of mental illnesses did Paul encounter at St Lawrence's Hospital?

At St Lawrence's Hospital, Paul dealt with patients suffering from schizophrenia, manic depressive disorders, depression, OCD, anxiety, and in some cases, individuals who were considered as 'village idiots' due to their disruptive behaviors.

What was the significance of Broadmoor Hospital in Paul's career?

Broadmoor Hospital was significant in Paul's career as it was a high-secure hospital where patients with severe mental health issues, who could not be managed elsewhere, were sent. It was also where he encountered high-profile patients and criminals.

Why did some patients at Broadmoor Hospital move between the hospital and prison?

Some patients at Broadmoor Hospital moved between the hospital and prison because they were initially sentenced to prison but experienced a relapse of mental health issues that required treatment in a high-secure hospital setting. Once stabilized, they would return to prison.

What kind of training did Paul receive for handling violent situations at Broadmoor Hospital?

Paul received training in control and restraint techniques, which originated from British Airways for managing unruly passengers. He also underwent shield training, similar to what prisons use, for situations involving weapons.

Can you describe a particularly challenging incident that Paul experienced at Broadmoor Hospital?

One challenging incident involved Paul being accidentally locked in a seclusion room with an aggressive patient. He had to think quickly and was eventually pulled out by other staff members, an incident that is still talked about.

What was Paul's approach to building rapport with patients?

Paul built rapport with patients by providing unconditional positive regard, which meant putting aside any preconceived notions and connecting with the patient. He also emphasized the importance of silence for reflection and challenging patients when necessary, but always with support.

What did Paul find most rewarding about his job as a psychiatric nurse?

Paul found the humor and connection with patients rewarding. He enjoyed making patients laugh and appreciated the small victories in improving their day or mood, even if it was just a little bit.

Why did Paul decide to retire from his career as a psychiatric nurse?

Paul decided to retire after 35 years of service, having reached the point where he was eligible for a good pension and lump sum. Although he retired from his position as a ward manager, he continued to work voluntarily in mental health organizations.

How does Paul feel about his past experiences and the skills he acquired as a psychiatric nurse?

Paul views his past experiences as a privilege and believes that the skills he acquired, particularly in connecting with people, have not been lost even after retirement. He still visits units and finds that patients recognize him as a nurse.