NERS NEWS – From February 9, 2026, to February 20, 2026, five sixth-semester students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted their Clinical Work Practice (PKK) at the Gelatik Ward of Menur Mental Hospital, Surabaya. Over the course of two weeks, Aurelia Rosalin Indaratnashanty, Nimas Sepa Ratu Besari, Andini Maudya Pramesti, Marsha Nayla Kurniawan, and Zaneta Ardelia Putri gained diverse new experiences in the context of psychiatric nursing.
During their practice, the students did not only serve as observers but were also actively involved in various activities supporting the patients’ recovery process. One of the most valuable experiences was the Therapeutic Group Activity (TAK). In this activity, students interacted directly with patients through group discussions centered on the topic: “The normal life that patients miss.”
The discussions took place in a warm atmosphere filled with openness and mutual respect. Patients enthusiastically shared simple routines they longed for, such as gathering with family, working, being active in the community, and enjoying the freedom of daily life without constraints. The students acted as facilitators, listening with deep empathy and providing psychosocial support to ensure patients felt valued and able to express their feelings. Through this activity, the students learned that therapeutic communication is more than just a technique; it is an art of building a relationship based on trust.
In addition to TAK, the students implemented various psychiatric nursing care plans they had studied in lectures. They observed patient behavior, recorded progress in mental conditions, and provided nursing interventions according to individual needs—such as assisting anxious patients with simple relaxation techniques or supporting withdrawn patients in interacting with their surroundings. All activities were carried out responsibly under the supervision of senior nurses and the hospital’s healthcare team.
This experience provided a real-world illustration of how classroom theories are applied in clinical practice. The students realized that every patient has unique needs, requiring nursing approaches tailored to individual conditions and backgrounds. They also learned the importance of teamwork in mental health services, where nurses, doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals collaborate to support patient recovery.
Throughout the two weeks, the students faced various challenges, from managing their own emotions when dealing with patients showing aggressive behavior to maintaining professionalism in high-pressure situations. However, these experiences became valuable lessons that shaped their emotional sensitivity, mental resilience, and deeper sense of empathy.
The clinical practice at the Gelatik Ward of Menur Mental Hospital Surabaya not only enriched their clinical knowledge but also fostered an awareness of the vital role psychiatric nurses play in guiding patients toward a better life. For Aurelia, Nimas, Andini, Marsha, and Zaneta, this experience serves as a foundation for their future careers after graduation, reaffirming their commitment to becoming professional, humanistic, and dedicated nurses.
Writer: Gelatik Group, Menur Mental Hospital
Editor: Farah Dina Azizatul Aulia (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
