Entrevistei uma Psicóloga Hospitalar! Dicas de Carreira e Atuação

Summary

In this video, Camila, a hospital psychologist, shares her journey and insights into the field of hospital psychology. She discusses her career path, the challenges of dealing with terminally ill patients, the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals, and the demands of the job. Camila emphasizes the significance of psychological support for patients and their families, as well as the collaborative nature of hospital teams. She also offers advice for those considering a career in hospital psychology, including relevant post-graduate studies and the rewarding yet intense nature of the work.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Camila, is a hospital psychologist with over 4 years of experience in the field and 42 years working in healthcare.
• 😀 Camila shares her journey into hospital psychology, describing how she transitioned from clinical psychology to hospital settings after being presented with a job opportunity.
• 😀 Hospital psychology involves working with patients to manage emotional challenges associated with hospitalization, illness, and end-of-life issues.
• 😀 The work in hospital psychology is emotionally intense, and self-care, including psychotherapy, is essential for professionals in this field to handle the emotional load.
• 😀 The workload in hospital psychology is heavy, and there is ongoing advocacy for reducing the working hours for psychologists in hospitals through legislative changes.
• 😀 Camila highlights the importance of active engagement with patients and their families, visiting each patient's bed to provide care and emotional support.
• 😀 One of the key challenges in the field is managing terminally ill patients, especially when they are unaware of their diagnosis or prognosis.
• 😀 Hospital psychologists collaborate with medical professionals, becoming part of multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care to patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.
• 😀 Working in a hospital requires flexibility, as psychologists often work in less conventional settings, such as corridors or standing by the patient's bed, due to the nature of hospital environments.
• 😀 Camila advises those entering the field of hospital psychology to pursue specialized postgraduate education, such as in neuropsychology or palliative care, to enhance their understanding of various patient conditions and care needs.

Q & A

What motivated Camila to pursue a career in hospital psychology?

Camila was motivated to enter hospital psychology after seeing an opening for a position in the field. Though she was initially happy working in clinical psychology, she decided to apply for the job and was eventually selected after a thorough interview process.

What challenges did Camila face when she first started working in a hospital?

When Camila started working in a hospital, she faced challenges like being newly graduated and not having specialized post-graduate training in hospital psychology. It was a steep learning curve, and she had to study extensively to handle the demanding environment.

How does the workload in hospital psychology compare to other fields like clinical psychology?

Hospital psychology has a more demanding workload. Psychologists in this field must deal with emotional challenges, including patient loss and the emotional distress of families. It is also a more intense environment, with work often done in hallways or beside patient beds, rather than in a comfortable clinic setting.

How does Camila handle the emotional strain of dealing with patient losses?

Camila emphasizes the importance of regular therapy for herself to manage the emotional strain. She also mentioned that while it's difficult, it's important to process these experiences and to have emotional outlets, such as crying when necessary, to ensure her own mental well-being.

What is the role of a hospital psychologist during a patient’s hospital stay?

The role of a hospital psychologist is to assist patients in coping with their hospitalization and illness. This includes providing emotional support, helping patients and families manage the psychological challenges of medical conditions, and addressing any psychological distress or issues that arise during the hospital stay.

How do hospital psychologists engage with families of patients?

Hospital psychologists not only provide care for patients but also support their families. They engage with family members when necessary, especially when there is sensitive information that needs to be communicated. In some cases, they also provide guidance on how to deal with the stress of having a loved one in critical condition.

What are the working conditions like for hospital psychologists in terms of hours and compensation?

Hospital psychologists typically work under a CLT (Consolidation of Labor Laws) system, with 50-hour work weeks. Compensation varies but generally ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 reais per month, depending on the hospital and its location. Some work on a PJ (Private Employee) contract, but this arrangement is less common.

What additional training or specialization is beneficial for a career in hospital psychology?

Camila recommends specializing in areas such as neuropsychology and palliative care. Neuropsychology helps in understanding conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, which are common in hospital settings, while palliative care is crucial for managing end-of-life processes. Specializing in these areas can enrich a hospital psychologist’s career.

How do hospital psychologists contribute to multidisciplinary teams in healthcare?

Hospital psychologists play a vital role in multidisciplinary teams by providing emotional and psychological support to patients and families. They must communicate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, understanding medical terminology and patient needs, to offer holistic care.

What is the most challenging aspect of hospital psychology for Camila?

The most challenging aspect for Camila is dealing with terminal patients who are unaware of their prognosis. It is difficult to manage the psychological care of a patient who doesn't know they are near the end of life, and even harder when the family is also unaware. This can create complex emotional situations that require careful handling.