The patient with schizophrenia: helping you stay in touch with reality

Patients with schizophrenia can be found in all clinical settings--including medical surgical areas. Hospitalization is an extremely stressful event for most patients, especially those suffering from schizophrenia. It forces them into unfamiliar settings and daily routines that often exaggerate their fears and anxieties, increasing the risk of exacerbation of psychosis. Nurses can take simple steps in dealing with these patients by recognizing increased feelings of helplessness and loss of control related to separation from significant others and fears of the unknown. Nurses can begin by establishing rapport as soon as possible and approaching the patient in a calm and reassuring manner. In addition, they need to identify individual needs, provide safety, and promote a sense of mental and physical well being.