Abstract: The question explored in this research project is: What are inpatient registered nurses' perceptions of the factors which influence therapeutic relationship development? The literature reviewed for this project includes the history of interpersonal relationships in nursing; therapeutic relationships; what constitutes these relationships. Also discussed is literature about phenomenology as the underlying theoretical and philosophical position that informs the research method. To answer the research question a single focus group was used to gather data from a group of registered nurses practising in inpatient mental health units. Focus groups as a data collection method produce data and insights that would not be accessible without the group interaction. The key themes to emerge from the data analysis were; time, environment, knowing / self-awareness, compassion and power imbalance / empowerment. These key themes are discussed in relation to the literature and the wider context of the mental health care environment. The contribution this research makes to nursing includes a list of recommendations to nurses, nurse leaders and managers who aim to provide therapeutic mental health unit environments.

Abstract: This thesis explores the theoretical notions of suffering and caring within the nurse patient relationship in the context of emergency nursing. It includes a small pilot study that aimed to assess the feasibliity of a major research project, by describing the impact of vicarious traumatisation in emergency nurses, specifically in relation to their self capacities. This pilot study utilised a descriptive, correlational design. Data was collected by using the Inner Experience Questionnaire (IEQ) a twenty four-item questionnaire developed by Dr Pearlman (1995), and a profile sheet which identified demographic details. Twenty-seven emergency nurses participated in this pilot study. The IEQ was assessed for internal reliability by applying the Cronbachs alpha and utilising a focus group to gain insight into the usability and relevance of the questions. The internal reliability of the IEQ suggests that it may be an appropriate tool to measure disruption of self capacities in the population of emergency nurses. Although the results are limited, and conclusions cannot be drawn, findings suggest a correlation between the variables of age, experience, nursing qualifications and a history of personal trauma and the IEQ. There is evidence that emergency nurses are affected psychologically when caring for the victims of trauma in emergency departments and the IEQ has the potential as a tool to be integrated into future emergency nursing studies. A multidimensional methodological approach is recommended to capture the many contours of the complex phenomena of vicarious traumatisation and the emergency nurse.

Abstract: A study to examine the effects of pre- information ( what a Nurse learns about a patient before they meet) on clinical inference and Nursing actions, in a simulated Nurse- Patient situation. It was hypothesized that the nature of the pre-information will influence the way the patient is perceived and the resulting Nursing actions. The research was conducted in an obstetrical setting. There were 55 subjects within three groups. Two groups comprised student midwives and the third group was of second year comprehensive Nursing students near completion of clinical experience in maternal and child health nursing. A 5 minute videotape sequence of a role played post natal patient was made for use in the research. All subjects were given the same initial pre-information, viewed the videotape and gave written description of what they saw on the videotape and their response ( as the Nurse in the situation). This data provided a base line for each subject. Subject were then given additional pre-information concerning the patient's physical condition, her baby's condition or formed part of the control group ( receiving no additional information) The procedure was repeated. These responses were then compared with the base line for each subject. Responses were coded by means of content analysis. Group data was analysed using multivariate one way analysis of variance graphical display. The results indicated support of the hypothesis that the nature of the pre-information does influence the way in which a Nurse perceives a patient and resulting Nursing actions. Implications of these findings for Nurses are discussed