CHOC wants its community providers to get to know its staff. In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, meet Lisa Schneider, nurse manager in CHOC’s new Mental Health Inpatient Center.
What is your education and training?
I have a degree in nursing from The Ohio State University, and I am in the last semester of completing my master’s degree with a focus on Nursing Administration. In addition, I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health registered nurse.
What are your special clinical interests?
I am very passionate about pediatric mental health. I have a strong interest in trauma-related diagnoses and crisis prevention, as well as serving as an advocate to de-stigmatize mental health.
How long have you been on staff at CHOC?
I am new to the organization and so excited to be here! I have been with CHOC since January 2018.
What diagnoses are most common among the patients you care for?
As the community is beginning to recognize mental health disorders sooner, children and adolescents can present with a wide range of diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, autism, PTSD, and ADHD, among others.
What myths about mental health would you like to dispel?
Many people believe that talking to kids about suicide can put the idea into their heads. However extensive research has shown that this is not the case. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death in children and young adults ages 10-24. Start the conversation now and talk to your kids about suicide – it could save their life.
What excites you most about the Mental Health Inpatient Center?
The opening of the Mental Health Inpatient Center is so exciting because we will be providing innovative care and services to children and their families. The unit will consist of private rooms, group activity rooms, an expansive outdoor play area, along with daily programming such as music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, and classroom education. The Center is designed around aspects of nature to promote a holistic and healing environment.
In addition, every child will receive a comprehensive treatment plan which will include individual and family therapy sessions while inpatient, and care continuation at discharge. I am so excited for the positive impact this Center will have on the kids in our community, especially since we will be the first to offer inpatient mental health services to children under the age of 12 in Orange County.
What inspires you most about the care being delivered here at CHOC?
I am inspired by the tremendous amount of dedication that CHOC has shown in our mission to provide quality healthcare to children. Specifically, we are taking a leadership role and setting a high standard through our commitment to de-stigmatizing mental health and expanding services. It is important to remember health does not solely rely on physical health, but strongly depends on mental health as well. In order to achieve overall health and well-being, mental health must be cared for with the same emphasis that is placed on physical health.
Why did you decide to become a nurse?
I chose to become a nurse based on the philosophy of nursing. Nursing is known not only as a science, but also as an art in caring for people. I have a passion for creating strong nurse-patient relationships, which can promote the healing process. I chose pediatrics because I’m inspired by the resiliency I see in children, and mental health specifically because I strongly believe in the concepts of prevention and early intervention.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be and why?
If I wasn’t a nurse, I think I would probably be a police officer. I enjoy serving others and building strong relationships within the community.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and 4-year-old son. We are new to California so we have been spending a lot of time exploring this beautiful state!
Learn more about CHOC’s mental health services at www.choc.org/mentalhealth.
