Difference between OT and mental health nursing?

Hi,

I'm a physio student and did a placement in mental health so saw for myself what the OT's did there.

Basically to me it looked like they do everything a normal OT would except that obviously, because of the patients, it could be a more challening job i.e. having patients that are heavily medicated, possible mood changes, possible aggressive behaviour etc. Saying that it's obviously a very rewarding area to work for, I know a lot of people that work in mental health love it! The OT's at the hospital I worked at ran classes like pottery, cookery, gardening, breakfast club (where the OT would supervise and help make breakfast), aromatherapy etc... you name it the OT's did it!!

yeh nursing is basically caring for a person, giving medications, looking after the person, washing them all the things like that.

whereas, the OT's are rehabilitaion trying to help the person get better at things, for examle, if they need help getting into bed may give them a bed lever to help them or if they struggle making drinks because they cant hold the kettle can give people special grips to allow them to use the kettle.

not totally sure if this is right, as dont really know much about mental health and OT but thats what i think it is hehe!!! sorry if i'm wrong.

Those things that you describe are not really what an OT does in mental health. It's more organising a workshop for long term patients so they have a place to work in, putting widgits in thingamies or other such stuff! For the short termers it's more crafts based, painting, sewing and other activities more for relaxation and stress relief.