This essay reflects on working with a mental health patient who was admitted to medical ward. James Finn is a 28 year old man who lives on his own in the community and suffers from schizophrenia. James is well known to the community mental health team who usually organising his care and treatment. James was brought to hospital after becoming unwell and upon medical investigations he was admitted to the ward for further treatment. James was notably underweight and dehydrated on admission. After several days of receiving treatment, James became much better and was referred to the hospital dietician.
James had been nursed in a side room with a mental health nurse monitoring him round the clock. Upon reading James nursing notes he had on several occasion asked to be discharge stating that he doesn’t want any care input from the nursing staff. I attended James room with the dietician who normally receives referrals from the ward.
The dietician approached James with care, compassion and affection. Although James was initially reluctant to speak to her, I observed how the she spoke to James on different subject matter and with time managed to draw James attention and build therapeutic relationship with him. The dietician introduced himself and sorted for James consent to talk to him about his nutritional intake. James at this stage was calm and cooperative with the dietician. The dietician asked James several questions to elicit information about his eating pattern and what