New Job!

I started a new job this week! Actually, I haven't really started the actual job yet, as it takes 3 weeks of training!

I will be working at the Utah State Hospital as a Psych Tech....SO intimidating!  Basically I hang out with the patients and make sure they dont hurt themselves or others, and I help them to implement their recovery plans so that they can progress and become successful members of the community.

I'm learning a lot, and I think the biggest lesson I'm getting so far is that they are just people with a disability or an illness, like if someone were to say they have Diabetes.  A mental disorder is the same kind of thing.  That helps me to remove my stigma's and to view it as something that isn't so scary.  Because honestly I am terrified.  I think I'm afraid that I'm not gonna be happy there, especially since I'll be working with so many patients who have serious depression--we are talking suicidal.  Sometimes I'm afraid it will rub off on me or something!  I hate feeling depressed.  But we will see!

This week we have been learning a ton--how to get out of a potentially dangerous physical situation by de-escalating verbally, and if that doesn't work, how to take down or restrain a person who is physically attacking you.  Scary stuff!

We also learned CPR and rescue breathing, and basic first aid.  I would love to say I remember everything, but there is just so much information my brain can handle.  I am officially CPR certified, though!

This has been a good experience, for sure.  I think everyone should learn these skills, not just people who are working in hospitals!  It's been an eye opener, really!  We all struggle with things, and sometimes life just weighs on us to the point where we can't do it alone.  That's why there are places like this, and I believe they exist because the Lord cares about all of His children and wants them to experience joy and a quality life.

The other techs seem awesome, too.  They are fun, down to earth, easy to talk to, and I think we are going to get along great. There are so many good people out there!