Memories of a Mental Nurse

by Robert Panton

A poignant, often amusing, occasionally hilarious and also, sometimes tragic recollection of a mental health nurse. The account recalls his first step onto the ward in the mid nineteen seventies as a horrified new recruit who hadn't realised the implications of what he had signed up for,but who nevertheless came to love his job and the people he worked with. He didn't expect locked doors to be the norm on some of the wards he would work on, or patients to be secluded in a 'cell,' neither had he heard of ECT (Electrical Convulsive Therapy), as well the other various 'therapies' the patients endured. This account goes through his student nurse training right up until the closing of the hospitals in which he worked and the sadness and pathos that it all entailed, both to the patients and also to the staff. This account/biography is not just for those who are interested in psychiatric nursing and it's history, but it is also for people who are really interested in people. NB. This copy has overcome the technical issues that existed in the first edition.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2011

Reviews

[Helan Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely in need of a good proof reader. It didn't appeal to me I found it quite superficial and shallow.

[Hazel Went · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of this book is interesting, but the grammar is shocking. I almost gave up on this book simply because I found the writing so poor. Have publishers not heard of proof readers? Perhaps the problem is that I read the kindle version, but this is no excuse. I would have given the book another star had the text been proof read.
Saying that, I persevered (with much muttering and grumbling, and a significant increase in blood pressure) and appreciated gaining an understanding of 70s mental health nursing, and how mental illness was perceived then. It's frightening to learn of some of the methods used not so long ago, but heartening to read of the care that shone through.

[Jackie Faichney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

This book was written from the perspective of a Charge Nurse who worked in various psychiatric hospitals. It is written with compassion and sensitivity. Robert isn't afraid to tell of his own shortcomings when he made mistakes. This endeared me to him and he comes across as a thoroughly likeable chap. Really enjoyed this book.