The Iranian Psychiatric Nurses' perception of transition in psychiatric wards: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Transition means moving from one period to another and it is usually associated with significant changes in objectives, roles, and responsibilities. Considering the challenges of the psychiatric ward, psychiatric nurses experience numerous problems, especially at the early stages of their job engagement. This study aimed to examine the perception of the Iranian psychiatric nurses in psychiatric wards and their transition period. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a qualitative content analysis study in three referral hospitals in Mazandaran and Tehran, Iran 2016. Participants included 18 nurses who had experienced transition at the psychiatric ward and had at least 3 months job experience in three referral hospitals of Iran and were selected purposefully. Data were collected using unstructured interviews and analyzed using the inductive approach and conventional content analysis. To ensure the trustworthiness of the data, Guba and Lincoln's criteria were used. Results: The major themes of transition among the nurses of psychiatric wards included “inadequate preparation,” “mental stress,” “self-awareness and capabilities,” and “the effective role of nurses' full support in adjustment.” Conclusions: The findings revealed that nurses did not have a decent transition. In this regard, educational systems must provide training courses to prepare nurses to support them in their arrival stage and to facilitate their transition. The findings of this study can help mentally prepare nurses for their preparation to perform their role and improve the quality of care.

Factors influencing the transition and retention of mental health nurses during the initial years of practice: Scoping review

“…Nurses' understanding of self was also highlighted as a contributing factor to retention however portrayed as another factor that positively impacts the process of transition (Rahmani et al, 2019 ). Besides, self‐awareness also contributed to self‐confidence in the work environment.…”

“…Besides, self‐awareness also contributed to self‐confidence in the work environment. Self‐awareness is indicated as being aware of one's fears and anxiety while paying attention to the impacts of positive communication (Rahmani et al, 2019 ). To conclude, evidence asserts that positive experiences enhance a sense of belonging, self‐efficacy and self‐understanding contributing to a smooth transition and positive retention (Cao et al, 2021 ; Ho et al, 2021 ; Hung et al, 2014 ; Rahmani et al, 2019 ).…”

“…This was particularly so during the initial weeks of mental health nursing (Hazelton et al, 2011 ; Mabala et al, 2019 ). An Iranian study on mental health nurses' perception of transition in mental health wards (Rahmani et al, 2019 ) also added that training and professional development during the initial years of practice could positively change the transition experiences.…”

Exploring the safe environment provided by nurses in inpatient psychiatric wards: A mixed‐methods study

“…In order to enhance patient safety for individuals receiving hospital care, MHNs employ various informed practices including patient education, communication therapy, intelligent care, timely administration of prescribed medications, preventative measures to prevent conflicts among patients and seeking support from colleagues (Ajalli et al, 2018;Rahmani et al, 2019;Zarea et al, 2013).…”

“…However, there is a lack of information regarding the establishment of a safe environment in inpatient psychiatric wards and the specific strategies used by Mental Health Nurses (MHNs) to promote this. In order to enhance patient safety for individuals receiving hospital care, MHNs employ various informed practices including patient education, communication therapy, intelligent care, timely administration of prescribed medications, preventative measures to prevent conflicts among patients and seeking support from colleagues (Ajalli et al, 2018; Rahmani et al, 2019; Zarea et al, 2013).…”