I remember the day I was hired at PrairieCare, and telling my family that I was going to be working with children and adolescents in an inpatient unit for acute mental illness. There were many concerned looks, as I’m sure scenes from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest flashed in their minds. I am certainly not Nurse Ratched, and my experience as a Psychiatric Nurse has been anything but stereotypical.
There is always so much emphasis placed on skills in nursing school. Student nurses are excited about the opportunities to drain a chest tube, suction, or place an IV. Me, not so much. I quickly learned that what made my nursing career fulfilling for me were the connections I made with my patients.
On my first day of clinical, I was assigned to a Vietnam veteran who seemed quite intimidating with his stoic appearance. He had just undergone an amputation and was recovering before being transferred to a rehab unit. In a report, I received information that he seemed to be depressed and had a low frustration tolerance. I remember the anger in his eyes as I tiptoed into his room, trying not to disturb him as I got a set of vitals. I said the usual, “Hi, I’m Julia. I’m going to be your student nurse today.” I was met with a glare and no verbal response.
I could have quickly grabbed his vitals and run out of the room, but before I could, I noticed a picture of a young lady on his bedside table. I asked if she was his daughter, and he instantly became brighter. I sat and listened to him tell me about her. By the end of the shift, he was calling me his favorite nurse, and I left that experience feeling like I had made a difference. I didn’t drain his wound or provide much medical care; I just listened and showed compassion for what he had been through.
When I come to the inpatient unit, I do not get pumped up for an EKG or lab draw as some nurses who prefer to use their medical skills do. I get excited about who I will meet and challenge myself to hopefully teach them something before I go. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Many patients are not ready to learn or open up. They come to us in crisis and in their most desperate time of need—but we’re strangers, so why would they tell me some of their darkest thoughts? That’s where your real nursing skills come into play, by using therapeutic communication, empathy, and compassion to engage your patients in a way that helps them feel safe.
My mentor at PrairieCare said something great that I will never forget, “I can teach all the skills, but I can’t teach compassion. That’s something you just have to have.” Psychiatric nursing is not for everyone. You have to have a thick skin and a sense of humor, but most of all, you have to love making a difference for these kids. For me, it has been such a gift.
About Julia Moseley and Her Career Growth at PrairieCare
Julia joined the PrairieCare team in 2011 as a newly graduated nursing student. She found her passion for mental health at our initial inpatient hospital. One year later, she transitioned to our partial hospitalization program. There she had the opportunity to form strong and meaningful connections with patients and families every day, and got to see kids discovering a newfound hope for life.
After several years of dedicated intensive outpatient care and helpful mentorship opportunities, Julia expressed her interest in leadership opportunities. She quickly accepted a new role as a nursing supervisor at our inpatient hospital.
“It’s been very rewarding to grow with the company over many years. I feel very appreciative of all the opportunities and mentorships I have been given,” reflected Julia. “I have had the ability to grow my career here as a nurse, be mentored as a leader, and work with incredible people.”
Today, Julia is PrairieCare’s Director of Nursing. She was able to reach immense career goals and positively impact patients and team members alike. At PrairieCare, we work daily to support our team so they are valued, heard, and can thrive in their work.
PrairieCare Creates a Workplace Where Nurses Flourish
In January 2024, we officially achieved ANCC Pathway Designation—a prestigious accomplishment demonstrating our dedication to our nursing staff. Our scheduling department and management work closely with our nursing staff to ensure the team can shape the schedule for a successful balance. Nurses can continue to learn and grow through mentorship, an experienced multidisciplinary team, and endless education opportunities.
Learn more about nursing careers at PrairieCare.
Careers at PrairieCare
PrairieCare is a physician-led organization that has provided specialized mental health services to the Twin Cities since 2005. Today, we are proud to say our services span the full continuum of care for all ages at ten locations in the Twin Cities, Mankato, and Rochester.
As a single-specialty organization, we focus only on mental health services with opportunities to explore care at inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Our diverse services and patient population offer job seekers invaluable experience for healthcare professionals. With a robust benefits package, career advancement opportunities, and a great workplace culture, we value our team and the work they do each day. If you value a collaborative work environment, supportive colleagues, and a career with purpose, apply for a job today.