News Post Category: News

National Nurses Week is May 6 to 12. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, recognizes this week as a time dedicated to honoring nurses and their contributions to health care.

In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on Adis Prasko, one of our exceptional nurses. Adis’s dedication, expertise and compassionate approach epitomize the core values of PPI. Adis plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to patients and their families. We had the opportunity to ask Adis about his career journey, the gratifications of nursing and the critical importance of teamwork among health care professionals. Let’s explore the answers Adis provided:

Why Nursing?

Adis’s decision to pursue a nursing career was influenced by his younger sister, who completed nursing school in 1997. Ever since then, he made a promise to himself that, if he ever got a chance to go to nursing school, he would not pass up on the opportunity. Despite the 16-year gap, Adis enrolled at the Harrisburg Area Community College and graduated in 2013. His initial placement in behavioral health marked the beginning of a fulfilling journey.

Why PPI?

During nursing school, Adis completed his behavioral health clinical rotation at PPI. Observing his clinical instructor interact with patients left a lasting impression. Their commitment to making a difference in patients’ recovery processes motivated Adis to consider joining the team at PPI.

The Rewards of Nursing

For Adis, the most rewarding aspect is the one-on-one interaction with patients during their vulnerable moments. Guiding them toward recovery and restoring their baseline health is deeply fulfilling.

Value in Teamwork

Adis recognizes the importance of collaboration. Building rapport with patients and colleagues is essential. For Adis, consistently attuning to one another, following the cues provided by one another and holding one another with respect and dignity are values that he nurtures.

Growth Beyond School

Adis’s nursing journey has transformed him. From being a student absorbing knowledge to mentoring others, he now shares his experience considerately. He strongly believes that respectful exchanges benefit both parties and contribute to a healthier nursing community, as well as passing healthy habits on to the next generation of nurses.

“I have learned so much just from being at PPI and watching their staff members interacting with patients and making a difference in their recovery process.”

At PPI, we value nurses like Adis who bring dedication, expertise and empathy to their work. If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to explore rewarding opportunities in psychiatric nursing with us. Visit ppimhs.org/careers to learn more about the opportunities at the PPI. Together, let’s build a healthier future.

National Nurses Week is May 6 to 12. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, recognizes this week as a time dedicated to honoring nurses and their contributions to health care.

In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on Kenneth Treaster, one of our exceptional nurses. Kenneth’s dedication, expertise and compassionate approach epitomize the core values of PPI. Kenneth plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to patients and their families. We had the opportunity to ask Kenneth about his career journey, the gratifications of nursing and the critical importance of teamwork among health care professionals. Let’s explore the answers Kenneth provided:

Why Nursing?

After a rewarding career in public service, he decided it was time for a change. With his pension secured, he sought a path that allowed him to continue serving the community. Nursing seemed like the natural choice for Kenneth.

Why PPI?

PPI’s Opiate Treatment Program caught Kenneth’s attention. His interest in this specialized field led him to join the team. But it didn’t stop there. Once at PPI, Kenneth discovered another passion: mental health services. Here, he found the opportunity to combine both areas of interest.

The Rewards of Nursing

For Kenneth, the true reward lies in the small moments – the interactions with patients that make a difference. Earning their trust and fostering relationships has been consistently fulfilling. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the daily impact.

Teamwork Matters

Nursing thrives on collaboration. Kenneth values the seamless teamwork within outpatient services and the entire hospital. Each member plays a crucial role, and the collective effort ensures quality care.

From Student to Mentor

Kenneth’s growth as a nurse extends beyond the classroom. While education provides foundational knowledge, experience is irreplaceable. He considers himself fortunate to have been mentored by seasoned professionals. Now, he pays it forward, passing on that hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of nurses.

“Before my nursing journey, I dedicated myself to public service, serving the people in the Commonwealth. Now, I’ve found my calling in nursing at PPI, where compassion meets purpose.”

At PPI, we value nurses like Kenneth who bring dedication, expertise and empathy to their work. If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to explore rewarding opportunities in psychiatric nursing with us. Visit ppimhs.org/careers to learn more about the opportunities at PPI. Together, let’s build a healthier future.

National Nurses Week is May 6 to 12. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, recognizes this week as a time dedicated to honoring nurses and their contributions to health care.

In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on Christina Brandenburg, one of our exceptional nurses. Christina’s dedication, expertise and compassionate approach epitomize the core values of PPI. Christina plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to patients and their families. We had the opportunity to ask Christina about her career journey, the gratifications of nursing and the critical importance of teamwork among health care professionals. Let’s explore the answers Christina provided:

Why Nursing?

Christina’s path to nursing was deeply rooted. From childhood, she always had thoughts of becoming a nurse. Her grandmother, a former RN, left an indelible impression. Those moments spent accompanying her grandmother to the nursing job filled Christina with pride and a sense of purpose.

Why PPI?

Christina’s decision to work at PPI was influenced by her clinical experience there. Witnessing the impact nurses had on clients during her rotations solidified her choice. It felt like a good fit – both personally and professionally.

The Rewards of Nursing

For Christina, the true reward lies in the everyday interactions. Conversations with clients provide a different perspective or offer comfort to them. Trust is the cornerstone of nursing in the Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), where the team collaborates to make a daily difference.

Teamwork Matters

Teamwork isn’t just encouraged at PPI; it’s necessary. The relationships between counseling, physicians, nursing and the front desk are vital. Each member relies on the other, offering support and encouragement. Together, they care for every individual in their service.

“I always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was a kid. I used to go with my grandmother, who was a nurse, to her job. I felt so happy and proud watching her take care of people.”

At PPI, we value nurses like Christina who bring dedication, expertise and empathy to their work. If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to explore rewarding opportunities in psychiatric nursing with us. Visit ppimhs.org/careers to learn more about the opportunities at the PPI. Together, let’s build a healthier future.

Sexual assault can have a profound and long-lasting impact on a survivor’s mental health. During sexual assault awareness month, we would like to focus on therapeutic approaches and coping strategies to help survivors regain control, heal and rebuild their lives.
 

 
At the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, mental health professionals’ have a significant role in the healing process for sexual assault survivors. This informational video will address the importance of working through trauma with a mental health professional to help survivors reclaim their lives.

Honoring Legacy through Action

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. It’s a day to honor his vision of freedom, justice, equality and a better future for all through active service. On a summer day in 1963, Dr. King shared his dream of a nation where justice, freedom, peace and opportunity prevail, standing against oppression, violence and poverty.

Despite facing numerous challenges, his commitment to nonviolent protest and civil disobedience led to significant changes in our society.

Today, the MLK Day of Service embodies this spirit, encouraging everyone to contribute to their communities. It’s the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, reflecting that active citizenship is vital to community improvement. By participating in service projects, we honor Dr. King’s legacy, working toward a society where respect and equality are not just ideals but realities for all, regardless of race, ability, religion or background.

Jeff has been with PPI since July 2015. He spent years in customer service/quality control while managing a carpet cleaning company in Arizona. Jeff states, “I believe customer service translates very well to nursing. Foundationally, we must be respectful of our patients, even when they are going through a difficult stretch. Try to provide a sense of calm in the middle of everything going on. I like to give my team members a sense that we will get through this moment.”

Jeff recommends taking time to catch your breath. Take a walk-off unit for a break. Be mindful and remember we are all one chemical imbalance or a bad moment away from being a patient at PPI. Talk to your team. Ask any and every question.

My biggest inspiration for working at PPI is the relationship I have with other staff members, Paul and Nikki (therapists). The professional way they help the locums get acclimated quickly when they join PPI. And how they help turn a patient in complete “failure to thrive” mode, at times catatonic, and return them to their life and family. I am proud to be part of a team that quickly understands where a patient may be struggling in the progress of their treatment. We all work together when the unit acuity triggers past trauma in staff. I am thankful to Kim, for somehow managing the “challenges” we deal with and still finding time to sit down with staff and help them process a difficult situation. In 2024, Jeff will be retiring to work part-time in Mobile Psych Nursing.

I’m not social. I’m not openly conversational. I’m a private person. I have difficulty speaking in front of others; since becoming a nurse in 2015, I’ve had to push myself beyond those self-imposed barriers. I’m thankful that I was inspired to go back to school at 50 to become a RN. And that when a patient is upset and yelling (at staff or me), I’m thankful and remain mindful that it’s almost never about us/me. It’s about their loss of control, a place in life, losing their phone, their bed, immediate contact with family, and their ability to come and go. This place, our place here, we need to remember as caregivers, it’s not about us. It’s about them.

I leave you with these words: “How can I help you?”

Mary has worked at PPI for 12 years as a medication and treatment nurse. Mary explains she wanted to be a nurse since she was six years old and be able to take care of people. Mary has a cousin who is a nurse anesthetist, and always enjoyed listening to her stories. Mary states, “In 7th and 8th grade, I was a hospital volunteer at Holy Spirit Hospital. And for some reason, I always found it fascinating to read the medical books in our house.”

For someone starting a nursing career at PPI, Mary believes that we all bring something different to the table because of where we are in our lives. Our experiences and education are valuable in dealing with the different types of patients we encounter. “Fortunately, through the years at PPI, I have been very blessed to have had some excellent mentors, although many no longer work here. I asked a lot of questions in the beginning, and I’m sure I drove some of them crazy, but they were very patient and kind. I’m still learning every day and appreciate all my co-workers who share their knowledge and experiences.

Coming from mostly med-surg, with some long-term care and acute rehab nursing, being a psychiatric nurse was very different, almost like learning another language. It really helped me learn about another type of illness. I always had the mindset of medical issues and did not give much thought to mental illness. It brought me full circle to understand the person as a whole.”

LuAnn Bishop-Smith has worked for PPI for almost 12 years. Although she has been a nurse since 1979, LuAnn has worked in medical surgical nursing, acute care rehab, long-term care and private duty nursing throughout her career.

Her current role at PPI entails medication administration along with teaching the patients about their meds and direct patient care on the units.

When asked what she loved about her job and why she chose PPI, she explained, “I always wanted to help others, although my God is who I give the glory to for leading me into this gratifying nursing profession. It is my passion! NOT just a job or paycheck.”.

LuAnn said the best advice she could give to her peers and others working in this field is to maintain a compassionate heart, be without judgment, keep positive, respect your co-workers and be a team player. Also, be understanding and actually look at the person and listen to them when they are talking to you.

“The best part of my profession is being able to serve and protect my patients, and do the best I can to meet their physical and mental problems. Also just meeting people who are a blessing to me. Nursing has been a very rewarding career for me, which I am so thankful for the opportunity to help my fellow human beings. My biggest inspirations here at PPI are my nurse manager, Dondalynn and some coworkers, such as Ann, Kristin and Deb.

Over the years, LuAnn has proved her worth to our patients and to PPI by receiving both the Daisy and Trauma Informed Care (TIC) awards.

LuAnn lives by this statement: “If you can be anything in this world, BE KIND!! I try to do at least one kind deed every day.”