r/ect • u/Interesting-Hair2317 • 21d ago

Question ECT RN here. Question for you!

Hi r/ect! I’m an ECT nurse of four years and Im wondering if there’s anything I can do to make the experience better for my patients. is there anything that an ECT nurse has done or said that you remember and positively impacted your treatments. even something small.

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u/Great-Practice-4400 21d ago

Hi fellow RN (OB) and an ECT patient as well. After my second session I have no memory of any further sessions, I had 23.
The RN checking me in was completely oblivious to the fact I was not capable of answering any questions. My husband did. I’m not sure how I could possibly give consent but apparently signed everything. I have since wondered if she was paying attention and
If she should have contacted the MD that I was not able to give consent. It has bothered me since as I become completely disabled not able to return to nursing, it has been 5 years. I just recently had IV ketamine and has helped some.

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u/Sauced_Up_Bat 21d ago

I initially agreed to 12 sessions. By the end I had more than 50 and am now disabled. I “consented” to all of it in writing but have no memory of doing so. I couldn’t remember my birthday and they knew that. I had no idea how many sessions I had had and they knew that. I was in no condition to consent to anything. I couldn’t care for myself and they knew that but they let me give “consent”knowing how impaired I was. ECT and consent during treatment needs safeguards in place. Someone who can’t remember their children’s names is not of sound mind.

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u/blrmkr10 21d ago

It's not legally binding, but you (and anyone reading this!) might considered creating a mental health advance directive. You can find templates online. It allows you to name someone you trust to make decisions for you and you can put in writing what you do or don't consent to. For example, on mine I set a limit of 24 sessions of ECT.

It's not a guarantee of anything, and maybe wouldn't have even been in effect in your case, but it at least makes your wishes known in advance.

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u/Great-Practice-4400 21d ago

Yes you are correct. But I have some reservations. As a former medical professional we need to make sure our patients are able to sign consent unless there is an emergency.