Respect for patients vital for registered psychiatric nurse
Kailyn Anderson Callbeck followed her mother’s career path into nursing. A placement at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) while she was a registered psychiatric nursing (RPN) student convinced her to pursue a career in mental health and corrections nursing.
Since 2022, Anderson Callbeck has worked in the integrated mental health and correction service unit at SHNB, with patients struggling with mental health issues and who have either been sentenced or are waiting for court decisions.
RPNs work throughout the health-care system and have many of the same skills and competencies as other nurses, along with a special emphasis on therapeutic communication and wholistic care. At SHNB, RPN’s work on a team that includes mental health corrections officers, providing mental health assessment and treatment, offering health education and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Emphasis on patient-staff interaction is one of the most rewarding parts of Anderson Callbeck’s job. “Many patients appreciate it because it helps them feel respected and treated like human beings,” she said.
“As an RPN, I believe we have a unique opportunity to stand up for our patients and treat them with dignity. Advocating for them can lead to better outcomes and greater success when they leave SHNB.”
From left: Kailyn Anderson Callbeck, a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) and Rees Kachmarski, a mental health correctional officer. Anderson Callbeck and Kachmarski work in the integrated mental health and correction service unit at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB).
