Nurses’ perceptions of mental health assessment in an acute inpatient setting in New Zealand: A qualitative study

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of mental health nurses regarding assessment in an acute adult inpatient setting in Central Auckland. Fourteen mental health nurses took part in semistructured interviews answering five open-ended questions. The analysis of data involved a general inductive approach, with key themes drawn out and grouped into four categories (roles, attitudes, skills and knowledge) in order to explore the meaning of information gathered. The outcome of the study acknowledged the importance of contextual factors such as the physical environment and bureaucratic systems, as well as values and beliefs present within the unit. The participants expressed concern that their input to assessment processes was limited, despite belief that 24-hour care and the nature of mental health nursing generally suggested that a crucial role should exist for nurses. In order for nurses to be established as central in the assessment process on the unit the study concludes that a nursing theoretical framework appropriate for this acute inpatient setting needs to be developed.

Managing Risk: Clinical Decision-Making in Mental Health Services

“…In the present study, nurses' perceptions of their role in risk assessment was more clearly delineated than previous studies (Bishop & Ford-Bruins, 2003). This may relate to a stronger role and expectation of nurse involvement in the multidisciplinary team in this service.…”

‘In the middle’: A qualitative study of talk about mental health nursing roles and work

“…Crawford et al () highlight a point of tension between mental health nurses assuming the identity of a ‘Jack of all trades’ and the need to accomplish a clear professional identity. The term ‘Jack of all trades’ has been used by mental health nurses themselves about their professional identity in studies in Australia (Cleary, ), New Zealand (Bishop & Ford‐Bruins, ), and the UK (Crawford et al , ; Skidmore, Warne & Stark, ). The maxim ‘Jack of all trades and Master of none’ has been considered to reflect the low status with which mental health nursing has sometimes been viewed (McCabe, ).…”

Autonomy and Severe Mental Illness: The Relationship between Social Network and Functioning

“…In a qualitative study [1] it is indicated that mental health nurses working in acute inpatient settings experience a need for adjustment regarding their role in the assessment process of treatment. A cornerstone in nursing practice is to adopt a holistic patient perspective, taking into account not only the patient's pathology but also psychological and social factors.…”