To be really cheeky:
- A CPN sees people who are living in the community. This is most often in the person's own home but it can also be in clinics based, for example, in a GP's surgery.
- CPNs provide support to people through difficult periods of their illness. They may also see patients who are currently well to check everything is going okay and be the first point of contact if the patient starts becoming unwell again.
- A CPN will help patients with their medication and make sure that the patient understands what they should be taking and when.
- Because CPNs see patients in their own homes, they also play a valuable role in helping the patient's family and carers understand and cope with the illness.
- Patients may be referred to CPNs from a number of sources including GPs, psychiatrists and inpatient wards so that the CPN can help the patient's transition from hospital back into the community.
- CPNs are often a patient's keyworker.
Source: Netdoctor
If you're going to see a psychiatric-related person on a regular basis, chances are that it's going to be a CPN that you see. They do the "talking therapy" stuff, can discuss any medication side-effects, if you have concerns with your care - or if they have concerns with you, your care, or how you're coping, you can work together to come to a conclusion.
The psychiatrist is effectivly the site-leader, whereas the CPNs tend to be the builders, if you can understand that slightly random metaphor?
Hope this helps, Leigh, and do try talking to your CPN if you have anymore concerns.
TAke care,
xoxo
