i currently work at a state hospital and, though mental health practices have come a long way, these facilities leave much to be desired. as RN said back in April 09, the staff thoroughly enjoys antagonizing the patients. as an individual who is a huge advocate for patient rights, i hate to admit that i can understand completely how it happens. when dealing with almost thirty people with severe mental illnesses day in and day out, it's hard not to let it get to you - not to take it personally. i have a background in psychology but i make up a small fraction of state hospital employees with any higher education. the state hires people who have no experience or background in psychology and they expect them to be equipped to handle individuals who are extremely hostile, delusional, and paranoid on a regular basis. it's human to take things personally and to abuse power. on top of that the wages are small, and the orientation and training is a joke. do i like it? no. do i agree with it? no. do i rise above? yes. but can i understand why the aides and other staff do not? yes. they don't know any better. who do you blame? the people who are clearly abusing their power and forgetting that the people they're "caring" for are ill ... or the government for not handling the hiring/training process more carefully?