A couple of weeks ago my CPN left me an answer phone message saying she was going off work for a couple of weeks and would arrange for someone to see me in the mean time. I heard nothing so rang the CMHT and found out she's gone on a sabbatical for 6 months!!
So anyway, they arranged for me to get a new cpn and I met her yesterday, and just before she went she told me she's actually an occupational therapist rather than a nurse?
Is this allowed? I thought that OT workers didn't actually have any mental health training, I was assigned a nurse so surely I should still have a nurse? Or can they switch you between a nurse and an OT?
Not talking about myself now because I don't feel the need to see a cpn. But surely that shouldn't be allowed? People are assigned a psychiatric nurse for a reason, and that's what they should get, not an OT with "some" training?
I am annoyed that I wasn't told about this before hand, I don't need occupational therapy.
I've got a social worker as my care co-ordinator, as were my last two care cos, before that I had a CPN.
Just to add, I live in supported housing for those with mental health problems and we often get workers here who are social workers/OTs looking for extra experience in mental health. The last OT here said that they get trained in various areas and then can specalise...
sticks and stones may break your bones but words can tear your heart out.
I care team consists of a SW (who is my care coordinator) and an OT. I have never had a CPN. I find my OT really helpful, she works for the mental health team and has training days every so often, she seems to have a lot of experience working in mental health and understanding of people who have my disorder (BPD). I wouldn't worry too much, if you get on with her then there shouldn't be a problem.
'Cause I'll always remember you the same.
Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change ♥
If you were assigned a care co-ordinator, then the origional training of that person could vary, OT's, social workers and CPN's all fill this role.
I have had a social worker in the past, and 3 different CPNs.
Since they work in a multi-disciplinery team, and have regular team meetings, its normal to have a care co with any of these backgrounds, they can consult with others over your care very easily anyway.
In adult services, only one out of the 4 care-co's did I particularly like, she was a CPN. The social worker I had was a cold hard bitch, but I have found support workers to be very nice. I would say the main thing is do you get on with this person. That's the biggest factor in my experiance as to what sort of help they'll be for you.
Give the new person a try, they might be really nice.
Hi...yeah they can do this, it happened to me! I had a CPN for 4 years, when she left I was transferred to an OT, who's support was totally different and crap 2bh, she came from a much more 'practical' based frame of mind in how to support me, there was very little emotional support as such. She thankfully left after 3 years and I have been back under a different CPN for 2 years, who thankfully has been amazing. I think it's down to their training, rather than specific qualification as such, but I don't think it's right at all, I'd ask to talk to the team manager if you are really unhappy or find the difference causing you to struggle more.
xxxxx
When the world says, "Give Up", Hope whispers, "Try it one more time".
Thanks for the reply guys, I honestly didn't realise they could swap you between cpns/OT's and social workers.
I don't mind as such, she seems very nice. I've only met her once so I'm not sure what she's like with the whole support side of things.
But generally she seems like a nice easy going lady, actually seems genuine where as my old cpn was a cold hearted so and so!
Just so you know, you have the option to request a new care-co if you really cannot get on with the one you have, but you would need to put this request in writing to the CMHT manager and give fair reason for the request. I know right now you don't need to do this, but if ever you really had exhausted all options of successfully working with a person, this is something you are entitled to ask for.
I'm glad she seems nice and genuine, that really helps to have someone you can connect with rather than a detached and cold person, who is, 'just doing the job'.
I've 'been through' OTs and CPNs in my time, and generally found the OTs just as good as the CPNs. I tend to find they do pretty much the same job. I think it depends who you get, how much experience they have etc.
Plus, now I don't need to talk so much about things anymore, my OT can do more 'OT-y' stuff with me, like helping me cook (have a fear of cooking, somewhat). We're baking cupcakes on the next meeting.
I'm glad you seem to be getting on well with your new care coordinator :)
Thanks reappear :)
Yeah maybe an OT will be better in some ways? I haven't found the cpns I had very helpful (I've only had 2).. Maybe having someone who's job is occupational therapy rather than a nurse will have a different insight/way of doing things that may be more suited to me. I don't know.. I'm not seeing her for another week and 4 days so I'll see how things go next time. :)
