Perspectives of Australian Nursing Directors Regarding Educational Preparation for Mental Health Nursing Practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 891-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Happell ◽  
Margaret McAllister
2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Happell

Objective Nursing directors in mental health services hold important leadership positions that include responsibility for the nursing workforce. The comprehensive or generalist approach to undergraduate nursing education consistently poses significant recruitment problems. Specialisation in mental health within Bachelor of Nursing programs has been suggested as a potential solution. This paper presents the views and opinions of mental health nursing directors regarding undergraduate specialisation. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken. Thirteen nursing directors from Queensland Mental Health Services participated in an in-depth telephone interview. The data were analysed thematically. Results Nursing directors were very supportive of specialisation in mental health at the undergraduate level. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: perceived advantages of the specialist stream; knowledge and experience; increased recruitment; and commitment. Conclusions Nursing directors are important stakeholders in educational preparation for practice in mental health settings. The research participants described many potential benefits to undergraduate specialisation. Their voice provides an important contribution to this issue. What is known about the topic? The current model of nurse education in Australia aims to prepare graduates for practice in a broad range of healthcare settings with specialisation occurring at the postgraduate level. Mental health nursing is identified as one of the least popular career options for nursing graduates, and mental health services struggle to recruit sufficient graduates for their nursing workforce; this is attributed, at least in part, to the current model of education. What does this paper add? This paper gives voice to the perspectives of nursing directors from the mental health service delivery sector about the educational preparation for nursing practice in mental health. Nursing directors support the introduction of specialist preparation in mental health nursing at the undergraduate level. A more skilled and committed workforce is seen as contributing to addressing current recruitment problems. What are the implications for practitioners? The educational preparation for nursing graduates for mental health practice impacts significantly on nursing leaders, and their perspective is essential in addressing the debate. Mental health nursing directors need to be formally recognised as key stakeholders in the preparation of nursing graduates.


In order to provide sound, person-centred care, mental health nursing students need a thorough understanding of theory alongside the ability to translate this knowledge into practice. It can be difficult to apply ideas from the classroom and books when learning how to work with mental health service users for the first time. That is why the theoretical aspects of this book are presented alongside realistic accounts of nursing practice. Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing is a case-based and service user centred textbook for mental health nursing students. Designed to support students throughout their pre-registration studies, the text covers the essential knowledge required to provide high quality nursing care. Contributions from real service users and cases of fictional clients are explored in detail to provide excellent transferable skills for practice. Dedicated chapters explore fundamental nursing skills and mental health law before providing a case-based exploration of the areas and subjects that will be encountered by students in university and placement. Practice-based chapters introduce students to the needs of a diverse range of fictional clients and explain how the skills of communication, assessment, care planning and monitoring can be applied. Each chapter provides a sample care plan explaining why and how clinical decisions are made, so that students can develop their own skills and practice. The text opens with clear advice to help students succeed in their studies and concludes with a wealth of practical and thoughtful advice on becoming a professional and getting that first job. Online Resource Centre * Twenty one video clips of fictional service users demonstrate the application of theory and prepare students for real nursing practice * Quizzes, scenarios and a range of activities help students to apply their learning * Interactive glossary explains terminology and jargon * Sample CV's and self awareness exercises aid professional development


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Rachel Allen ◽  
Kim Goddard ◽  
Anne Pegram

Author(s):  
Martha L.P. MacLeod ◽  
Kelly L. Penz ◽  
Davina Banner ◽  
Sharleen Jahner ◽  
Irene Koren ◽  
...  

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