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RPC home > Message from the Superintendent (September 06, 2006)

Riverview Psychiatric Center

Message from the Superintendent (September 06, 2006)

"Minds are like parachutes; they work best when open." - Lord Thomas Dewar

I got the chance this week to meet with the Milieu Managers to get myself some education. I did. They pointed out several things they need support on to facilitate the continued achievement of our mission for Riverview to be the center of excellence. One of the items they brought to my attention, I will try to address here. It has to do with clarifying safety expectations and how staff work together to achieve the safest care environment.

No staff member should do anything with a client they feel is unsafe. Keeping people safe is our first guiding principle. No matter if it is a MHW, Nurse, Rehabilitation Staff or other member of our team, no one should act in a way that they believe is unsafe for them or the client they are serving. We must all communicate our concerns and assessments and be willing to listen to alternative views. All opinions are valued. My expectation is that through discussion and sharing of opinions we as care providers should be able to reach a shared understanding that we are all comfortable. If not, the PSD or department heads should be engaged and the issues can be addressed through lines of supervision to establish a direction. Most, if not all, work in the human service field is completed through relationships. Relationships between service providers and between service providers and those served. Having said all the above, it is likely that the ideal will not be evident all the time and someone either will not express their concerns or others may not adequately listen to those concerns. How we support each other in returning to an ideal where all persons are heard and listened to as we strive toward better understanding is a defining characteristic of how we work.

To be clear, I am not talking about staff stepping beyond their role in influencing decisions. There are things only a doctor decides, a nurse completes, or a department head directs. I am addressing safety issues. If I am asked to escort a client somewhere and I feel it is unsafe, I (and you) should not do so. I (and you) should express to those requesting our concerns, reasons for those concerns and listen to the responses and assessments of others. Be committed to forming a shared view from which to move forward. Thinking of it as an opportunity to enhance the relationship and “our” understanding is key. This is a healthy process which enhances the care environment for all.

As you consider the above, please think about situations you have witnessed in your work where you have seen others committed to seeking better understanding through sharing information and listening. Also, think of those situations you have witnessed when others did NOT share concerns directly or listen with intent to sincerely understand the views of others. Which style do you think is most beneficial?

As always, thank you for your hard work,

David S. Proffitt

"When all men think alike, no one thinks very much." - Walter Lippmann