Psychiatric patients: Pearls for the bedside nurse

With mental health issues at an all-time high, patients with significant behavioral health symptoms are increasingly in nonpsychiatric settings needing care.

Using patient examples, convention speaker Jenifer Magnani, a licensed social worker, will dive into practical strategies and suggestions for supporting patient mental health recovery and working towards smoother interactions between the patient and the clinical team.

Magnani, MSW, LICSW, is the assistant program director for the Psychiatry Consultation Line run by the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services,

She has been a social worker for over 23 years, and has worked in a number of clinical areas including inpatient, emergency, ambulatory, psychiatry, and home hospice.

Magnani got her masters of Social Work degree at the University of Washington and holds a bachelor of science in Journalism from the University of Kansas.

She previously worked extensively at Harborview Medical Center and Providence Hospice. Magnani is passionate about helping the most difficult-to-serve patients and creating health and social systems that work effectively.

The Psychiatry Consultation Line helps care providers in Washington who are seeking clinical advice regarding adult patients (18+) with mental health and/or substance use disorder.

During the pandemic, the statewide line was expanded to 24/7.

A care provider calls the line at 877-WA-PSYCH (877-927-7924) and, after a short intake with a UW health navigator, is connected to a UW psychiatrist. At the conclusion of the conversation, the UW psychiatrist follows up with de-identified, written documentation of the consultation and recommendations to the caller via email.

Beginning January 23, non-prescribing care providers in Washington may call the line between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

The Psychiatry Consultation Line is funded by the State of Washington and administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority, and is staffed with UW psychiatrists 24 hours a day, seven days a week.