“While each patient will have some type of psychiatric diagnosis, look beyond that and learn their ‘story’ to more fully understand where the patient is in their journey in life and their illness.”

— Ellen Blair, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN

“When I was facing the ultimate test of nursing’s charge to respect all patients and provide them the highest quality of care, a colleague gave me this advice: Before the individual walks in my office, imagine him as a small child. We don’t know what happened after that time, and it may not excuse his behavior, but tap into feelings around that innocence.”

– Susan V. Brammer PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN

Everyone has a story…listen… learn…and then support.”

– Jessica Gordon PhD, PMHNP-BC

“Never be afraid to admit you don’t know something! We are all human and while we have expertise in the field, there’s no way we can know everything. It’s really OK to tell your patient ‘I’ll get back to you on this,’ as opposed to offering misinformation.”

– Laura G. Leahy APN, FAANP, FAAN

“Make sure to take time to make yourself whole before interacting with others. The time you take to replenish yourself is just as important as the work you do each day.”

– Kathryn E. Phillips, PhD, RN

“As a new psychiatric-mental health nurse, I was told to always approach each patient interaction as you would want (or would want a loved one) to be treated and to remember that it is an honor to work with patients, especially during some of the most challenging/monumental times in their lives.”

– Jessica Walker, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

“To work as a team you need to have a shared vision. Ask open ended questions about how they view the main problems, barriers, and concerns. Finding the common ground will help us to work together efficiently. Be overly curious, before you decide how you will move forward”

– Faith

“Take the time to truly connect with your collaborators and make them feel like they matter. Notice and affirm their value as individuals and collaborators”

– Lora

“I invite team members to share their viewpoints, knowledge, and values… All done in an environment of lovingkindness.”

– Luc

“What works for collaboration is authenticity and listening.”

– LT

“Before work starts – set the stage with shared intentions and agreements – a shared vision of the purpose and work.”

– Amy

“Listen more than I speak.”

– Jessica

“My top tip for collaborating is being open to new ideas and following up with someone who has an idea that strikes me while my iron is hot. It doesn’t have to be a dissertation, just a question to hear more about their idea.”

– Julia

“Being receptive to listening to someone else’s point of view even if sometimes it means thinking outside the box.”

– Asneth

“It’s always important to reflect on how much collaboration is appropriate to ensure productivity. In my Bengali culture, there is a well-known proverb: “An empty cowshed is better than an angry cow.” This metaphor reminds us to be pragmatic—sometimes, avoiding unnecessary conflict or forced collaboration can lead to better outcomes.”

– Farrid