PROFESSIONAL NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AGGRESSIVE PATIENTS IN A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN THE WESTERN CAPE

Background: A preceptor is a specialised tutor who provides practical training to students in the practice setting. They are frequently used to orientate nursing students to prepare them for their duties as professional nurses. In the Western Cape Province professional nurses attend a training programme to prepare them for the role of preceptor. After completion of the training it is unclear how the trained nurse preceptors perceive their preparation for the role. The perceptions of preceptors may influence their commitment to their role.Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore nurse preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, support and commitment to the preceptor role. A conceptual framework guided the study which replicated previous studies that explored nurse preceptors’ perceptions.Method: A quantitative approach utilising a descriptive correlational design was used in this study to address the research questions. A convenience sample was drawn from preceptors (n = 60) who had completed a preceptor training programme at the University of the Western Cape. Instrumentation for the study included the following scales: preceptors’ perceptions of benefits and rewards, preceptors’ perceptions of support, and commitment to the preceptor role. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0.Results: The findings indicate that nurse preceptors were committed to their role.Conclusion: The findings of this study are supported by Kanter’s model of structural determinants of behaviour in organisations, since preceptors who see themselves as having access to opportunity and support are likely to be committed to their role.

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A profile of adult acute admissions to Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital, South Africa

South African Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v25i0.1244 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 ◽

Author(s):

Herman Franken ◽

John Parker ◽

Robin Allen ◽

Robert A. Wicomb

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Psychiatric Hospital ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Psychotic Symptoms ◽

First Episode ◽

Western Cape ◽

Violent Behaviour ◽

Manic Symptoms ◽

History Of ◽

Clinical Records

Background: The Western Cape province has the highest documented lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders in South Africa. To ensure the efficient, equitable and effective distribution of current resources, there is a need to determine the profile of patients requiring psychiatric admission.Aim: To describe patients admitted to the acute adult admissions unit at Lentegeur Hospital.Setting: Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital is situated in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, and serves about 1 million people from nearby urban and rural areas.Methods: This retrospective study involved an audit of all patients (18–60 years of age) admitted between 01 January 2016 and 30 June 2016. The clinical records of 573 adult patients were examined.Results: The median age of the cohort was 29 years. Most patients (63%) were educated to the secondary level. Only 12% of the patients were employed, and 37% received disability grants. More than 90% of the patients presented with psychotic symptoms. Of these, 28% presented with a first-episode of psychosis. Of all patients, 20% were referred with manic symptoms and 7% with depressive symptoms. Many patients (62%) used substances concurrently in the period leading up to admission. Significantly more males (73%) used substances compared to females (38%). Cannabis was the most widely used substance (51%), followed by methamphetamine (36%). Recent violent behaviour contributed to 37% of the current admissions. A total of 70 patients (13%) tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and 49 (9%) tested positive for syphilis.Conclusion: Substance use and a history of violence contributed to admissions in this population.

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