Strong research leadership, generous support and liberal encouragement can change a predominantly teaching-focussed culture to one of academic research excellence. This increase in research expertise will lead to better patient/client care and improved education of nursing and midwifery students.
Education plays a crucial role in the lives of families of transgender young people and mental healthcare practitioners are well-placed to support families in this regard. This paper reports findings from a narrative review of 31 papers that explored the education needs of families of transgender young people. The emergent themes were synthesised to develop a five-stage model that depicts the role of education in the lives of these families. Key themes included: (i) learning that a family member is trans; (ii) family responses; (iii) accessing education and information; (iv) impact on the individual; and (iv) moving beyond the individual. The key implications for mental health practitioners, families, and future research are discussed.
Accessible summary
What is known about the subject?
A therapeutic relationship with a professional who displays an informed approach has a positive effect on outcomes for young people presenting with an eating disorder.
There is a dearth of research available on the student mental health nurse experience of working with young people with an eating disorder both internationally and from the Republic of Ireland. Within this limited literature, nursing students were found to hold more negative perceptions towards this group than more experienced clinicians.
The causes of eating disorders are complex, which make education and support to understand the individual with an eating disorder essential.
Within the Republic of Ireland, child and adolescent mental health historically has received very little attention in the undergraduate mental health nursing curriculum.
What does the study add to existing knowledge?
Findings from this study recommend that a set of guidelines are made available for students to feel more confident in their role. It is suggested that this resource would include the therapeutic skills to engage the young person with an eating disorder.
A specialist clinical placement has been identified as the most appropriate time to consider the development of a study day or days to facilitate learning of the skills and therapeutic techniques to work with adolescents. Application of these skills would occur within the clinical learning environment under supervision and guidance of the clinical preceptor.
What are the implications for practice?
Specialized training for student mental health nurses working with this group will enhance confidence and competence levels in forming therapeutic relationships, thereby improving outcomes for those attending the services. Better student experience may also enhance future nursing recruitment into this area.
Students need additional support in managing these often complex and ambivalent presentations and their own fears or stigma around people with an eating disorder. This is recommended as taking the form of reflective practice during the placement.
There is a need for nursing management to support nurses in their role as preceptor. This would involve protected time for preceptors to engage the student nurse in clinical education and reflective practice.
Abstract
IntroductionThere is limited attention given to child and adolescent mental health in the undergraduate mental health nursing curriculum within the Republic of Ireland. There is a dearth of research available on specifically the student mental health nurse experience both internationally and from the Republic of Ireland.
AimTo explore factors that impact on the experience of mental health student nurses working with adolescents who present with eating disorders.
MethodThis qualitative descriptive study was conducted through individual semi‐structured interviews with n = 4 mental health student nurses. Data were then subjected to a schematic content analysis.
ResultsThe participants experienced devel...
The research literature on the use of cinema in nurse education is relatively small. This study evaluates student nurses' learning experiences of a new undergraduate elective module called Madness in the Movies. Ethical approval was granted to conduct the study. Data were collected through an online survey and a social media discussion forum. The anonymous online survey responses were collated via Survey Monkey. Content analysis was conducted on the data from the Facebook discussion threads to understand, interpret and conceptualise the meanings from the data. All study participants agreed that their understanding of mental health issues was enriched, their attitudes and beliefs enhanced and their confidence to talk about mental health concerns increased significantly. This module provides a fruitful approach to encourage critical reflection on mental health issues in a safe environment that closely mirrors authentic practice experiences. The module facilitates the development of students' knowledge, values and attitudes in relation to person-centred mental healthcare.
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