‘Sometimes You Have No Choice but to Give Them Medication’: Experiences of Nurses Caring for People With Auditory Hallucinations in an Acute Unit

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore psychiatric nurse's experiences of caring for people with auditory hallucinations in an acute unit. A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The study involved semi‐structured interviews with 18 acute unit nurses all of whom provided interventions to patients with auditory hallucinations. Overall, participants identified their role in the management of risk within an acute unit, the importance of their therapeutic role and a perceived over‐reliance on medication administration as a primary nursing intervention. These findings thus demonstrate the personal and professional conflict that nurses face when working in an acute unit with patients who experience auditory hallucinations. Nurses are in a prime position to provide effective interventions and assistance for people with auditory hallucinations in an acute unit. The findings of this study indicate that mental health nurses may require additional support and education to provide care in a truly recovery‐based manner, with training in specific interventions and engagement skills for people who hear voices. Due to an unpredictable environment and sometimes high‐risk workplace, nurses may also benefit from organisational assistance in this area.