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O'Brien, A. J. (2001). The therapeutic relationship: Historical development and contemporary significance. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 8(2), 129–137.
Abstract: This article examines the therapeutic relationship, a concept held by many to be fundamental to the identity of mental health nurses. While the therapeutic relationship was given formal expression in nursing theory in the middle of the last century, its origins can be traced to attendants' interpersonal practices in the asylum era. The dominance of medical understandings of mental distress, and the working-class status of asylum attendants, prevented the development of an account of mental health nursing based on attendants' relationships with asylum inmates. It was left to Peplau and other nursing theorists to describe mental health nursing as a therapeutic relationship in the 1940s and later. Some distinctive features of colonial life in New Zealand suggest that the ideal of the attendant as the embodiment of bourgeoisie values seems particularly unlikely to have been realised in the New Zealand context. However, New Zealand literature from the 20th century shows that the therapeutic relationship, as part of a general development of a therapeutic discourse, came to assume a central place in conceptualisations of mental health nursing. While the therapeutic relationship is not by itself a sufficient basis for professional continuity, it continues to play a fundamental role in mental health nurses' professional identity. The way in which the therapeutic relationship is articulated in the future will determine the meaning of the therapeutic relationship for future generations of mental health nurses.
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Nichols, J. (2004). An exploration of clinical supervision within mental health nursing. Vision: A Journal of Nursing, (November).
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the concept of clinical supervision specifically in relation to mental health nursing. The author talks briefly about the naming and history of clinical supervision and aims to provide some clarity around defining the concept. There is discussion around the role, value and objectives of clinical supervision before critical examination of two models of clinical supervision within two different contexts. Finally the strengths and weaknesses of each model are discussed, and the differences illustrate some of the contextual factors of clinical supervision.
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Neville, S. J., & Gilmour, J. A. (2007). Differentiating between delirium and dementia. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 13(9), 22–25.
Abstract: Accurate nursing assessment is a critical element in the identification of health problems and treatment strategies for older adults who have delirium and/or dementia. This practice update provides information on the differentiation between these two debilitating and adverse health events, along with some useful assessment frameworks and other resources. Comments from people with delirium and dementia are interspersed throughout the article to draw attention to the impact of these conditions on people's lives and well-being. The article includes the 'A presenting concern framework', useful mnemonic devices to help nurses assess an older person who may have delirium or dementia, and a list of online resources.
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Narbey, N. (2001). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in psychosis: Relevance to mental health nurses. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: The author uses his personal and professional experience to explore the application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in caring for people who experience psychosis. Psychosis can be a life-threatening illness; about one in ten young men with psychosis will take their own lives. Much of the progress in treatment has been predicated on a biological explanation of psychosis. The late 1990s have seen increasing interest in psychological approaches in the treatment of psychosis; not withstanding that this treatment does not work for all people. The first aim of this research report is to develop understanding about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, through exploration of its origins and examining the theoretical basis and reviewing the evidence that may support its use. The second aim is to explore the evidence around mental health nurses' training and use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, by critically examining some of the major UK and Australian reports. The author considers that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is theoretically and pragmatically compatible with contemporary nursing practice, and will have increasing prominence for New Zealand mental health nurses.
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Murphy, R. (2005). A day in the life of an acute hospital psychiatric nurse. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand, 11(9), 24–25.
Abstract: A nurse presents a personal account of a typical day at Middlemore Hospital's 50-bed acute inpatient mental health unit Tiaho Mai. The article covers aspects of shift handover, working with multidisciplinary teams, developing care plans, working with families, and responding to emergencies.
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Muir-Cochrane, E., Holmes, C., & Walton, J. A. (2002). Law and policy in relation to the use of seclusion in psychiatric hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Contemporary Nurse, 13(2/3), 136–145.
Abstract: This paper discusses legal issues associated with the seclusion of acutely disturbed patients in psychiatric hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. There continues to be great variation in opinion and operational definition as to whether seclusion is a medical treatment, nursing intervention and management tool, or merely a form of situational restraint. Reflecting this lack of clarity, mental health acts and policies concerning the regulation and practice of seclusion lack consistency and focus across geographical boundaries and jurisdictions. Australian and New Zealand legislation and institutional policy is discussed in order to shed light on the contemporary issues highlighted by this controversial nursing practice. The authors note that mental health professionals must continue to review the practice of seclusion and to actively promote the use of acceptable alternatives. In addition nurses and other mental health professionals have a responsibility to understand current legislation and policy frameworks and to influence change where this is necessary to ensure the best practice possible in their clinical area.
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Mosley, B. (2005). Seclusion management in an acute in-patient unit. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: This study was developed to explore the use of seclusion in an acute in-patient unit for people with mental illnesses. Investigation into this issue was considered important due to an identified large increase in seclusion use over the previous two years. The study used a qualitative research methodology with a descriptive and interpretive approach. Data collection included a retrospective file audit of patients who had been secluded over the past seven years, and one-to-one staff interviews. It also includes the author's personal reflections of seclusion events. The principle reason for using seclusion was violence and aggression in the context of mental illness. It was also used for people who were at risk of, or who had previously absconded from the unit. A recovery approach and the use of the strengths model was fundamental to nurses' way of working with patients in the unit. Nurses believed that the strengths process should be adapted to the person's level of acuity and to their ability to engage in this approach in a tangible way. Seclusion continues to be a clinical management option in the unit that is the subject of this study. However, in many circumstances there are other options that could be explored so that the utmost consideration is given to the dignity, privacy and safety of that person.
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Morrison-Ngatai, E. (2004). Mai i muri ka haere whakahaere: Maori woman in mental health nursing. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: Contents: Chapter 1 Kupu whakataki – introduction; Chapter 2 Raranga mohiotanga – literature review; Chapter 3 To te wahine mana tuku iho – theoretical framework; Chapter 4 Tahuri ki te rangahau – research methodology; Chapter 5 Whakaaturanga whakaoho – beginnings; Chapter 6 Kia pakari – positioning and contesting; Chapter 7 E ara ki runga wahine toa – standing and enduring; Chapter 8 Kua takoto te whariki.
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Moko Business Associates,. (2003). Career pathways and core competencies in Maori mental health nursing (Vol. Trm/03/04). Palmerston North: Te Rau Matatini.
Abstract: This report reviews relevant literature pertaining to clinical career pathways and associated core competencies for nursing in New Zealand. The review identifies and analyses existing clinical career pathways for nurses and mental health workers in New Zealand, paying particular attention to the content, structure, strengths, criticisms and applicability to the development of a clinical career pathway for Maori registered nurses to work in Maori mental health (NGO organisations). This report is part of Te Rau Matatini's current work on the development of a career pathway for Maori registered nurses with mental health work experience to work in NGO, community settings. It is a preliminary report, based on existing literature. A subsequent report was planned detailing the career pathway developed by Te Rau Matatini, with strong guidance and input from Maori mental health nurses and the wider Maori mental health sector.
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McLean, J. M. (2007). Pushing the boundaries: Relationships with adolescents. Ph.D. thesis, , .
Abstract: Therapeutic relationships are central to mental health nursing. The nurse's role in maintaining professional yet therapeutic boundaries within this relationship can be challenging. When therapeutic boundaries are breeched within the nurse adolescent relationship the adolescent's safety within this relationship is compromised. There is currently limited literature on how nurses are managing professional boundaries in relationships with adolescents in this setting. The adolescent's nature is to push boundaries; therefore the nurse needs to be acutely aware of this boundary pushing in everyday practice settings. For the safety of the adolescent and the nurse it is vital the nurse understands her role in managing the professional boundary. This thesis explores, through the use of narrative inquiry, four adolescent mental health nurses' experiences of assessing, understanding and maintaining therapeutic boundaries with adolescents in a mental health setting in New Zealand. The unique and specific implications for adolescent mental health nursing are discussed. Three key themes emerged from the analysis and findings: the importance of the nurse clarifying his/her role; the learning that occurs throughout the practice journey; and the role of the nurse in keeping the adolescent and the nurse safe. These findings highlight the importance of clinical supervision and open communication with senior nurses and mentors, which assist the nurse in monitoring practice. When nurses do not have sufficient knowledge of the fundamental principles of adolescent mental health nursing; such as knowledge and skills in both adolescent development and psychodynamic nursing, they are at risk of boundary crossings. Recommendations from this research include more emphasis on psychodynamic nursing principles in nursing education and nursing practice. There is a need for specialised education for nurses in child and adolescent mental health nursing. Nursing entry to practice programmes for new graduate nurses working in mental health, could assist in providing this. There is a call for further research into therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries in this complex nursing specialty.
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McKenna, B., Thom, K., & O'Brien, A. J. (2008). Return to nursing programmes: Justifications for a mental health specific course. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing, 5(1), 1–16.
Abstract: This paper presents the findings from research that investigated the feasibility of developing a specialty return to mental health nursing programme in New Zealand. This was achieved through a scoping of existing return to nursing programmes; a survey of non-active nurses; and stakeholder consultation via interviews or focus groups. Existing generic programmes fail to attract non-active nurses wishing to focus on mental health nursing. The non-active nurses survey found 142 nurses who presently would or might possibly return to mental health nursing and participate in a programme. Most stakeholders supported the idea of implementing such a programme. The findings from this research indicate both feasibility and enthusiasm for the introduction of return to mental health nursing programmes. It is recommended that all aspects of this course mirror the service user focused 'recovery paradigm' that is a central tenet in contemporary mental health service delivery.
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McKenna, B., Simpson, A. I. F., & Coverdale, J. (2006). Best practice management strategies for mental health nurses during the clinical application of civil commitment: An overview. Contemporary Nurse, 21(1), 62–70.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to outline best practice management strategies for nurses during the clinical application of civil commitment of mentally ill persons. A literature search on 'coercion' and 'civil commitment' was undertaken. Published and unpublished research undertaken by the authors in New Zealand on this topic was drawn upon. This research considered the use of civil commitment during admission to acute mental health services, acute forensic mental health services and community mental health services. The experience of coercion by service users coincides with the degree of restriction associated with the service they are involved in. Socio-demographic factors, clinical factors and the experience of coercive events have little bearing on the amount of coercion experienced. Rather, it is the pattern of communication and the use of 'procedural justice' that has the potential to ameliorate the amount of perceived coercion. The authors conclude that 'Procedural justice' aligns with the emphasis placed on the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing and is an important consideration for nurses during the clinical application of civil commitment
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McKenna, B., Poole, S., Smith, N. A., Coverdale, J., & Gale, C. (2003). A survey of threats and violent behaviour by patients against registered nurses in their first year of practice (Vol. 12).
Abstract: For this study, an anonymous survey was sent to registered nurses in their first year of practice. From the 1169 survey instruments that were distributed, 551 were returned completed (a response rate of 47%). The most common inappropriate behaviour by patients involved verbal threats, verbal sexual harassment, and physical intimidation. There were 22 incidents of assault requiring medical intervention and 21 incidents of participants being stalked by patients. Male graduates and younger nurses were especially vulnerable. Mental health was the service area most at risk. A most distressing incident was described by 123 (22%) of respondents. The level of distress caused by the incident was rated by 68 of the 123 respondents (55%) as moderate or severe. Only half of those who described a most distressing event indicated they had some undergraduate training in protecting against assault or in managing potentially violent incidents. After registration, 45 (37%) indicated they had received such training. The findings of this study indicate priorities for effective prevention programmes.
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McKenna, B., & Poole, S. (2001). Debating forensic mental health nursing [corrected] (Vol. 7).
Abstract: Forensic mental health nursing roles have developed along different lines in the United States and the United Kingdom. The authors suggest that New Zealand nurses consider the evolution of such roles here.
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McKenna, B., O'Brien, A. J., Dal Din, T., & Thom, K. (2006). Registered nurses as responsible clinicians under the New Zealand Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 15(2), 128–134.
Abstract: The objectives of this research were to determine how many registered nurses are working as 'responsible clinicians', under what phases of the legislation they are functioning, and to describe the enabling processes and barriers to nurses undertaking this statutory role. An anonymous descriptive survey was distributed to the 11 nurses who were currently responsible clinicians as well as five senior nurses selected from each of the 21 district health boards and the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (n=121). The response rate was 88.4% (n=107). The survey questioned respondents on statutory roles currently undertaken. Respondents were asked whether the responsible clinician role was a legitimate one for nurses and whether they were motivated to attain it. They were also asked which competencies of the role they believed they met, their perceptions of credentialing processes and the educational requirements needed to achieve the role. Of the approximately 395 responsible clinicians nationally, 11 (2.8%) are nurses. Most nurses viewed the role as legitimate. However, many were unaware of competencies for the role and credentialing processes, and were somewhat ambivalent about achieving the role due to current workload, role conflict and lack of remuneration. Competency deficits were highlighted. The authors conclude that there are grounds to encourage nurses as responsible clinicians given the intent of the legislation. This will require the promulgation of appropriate mental health policy, and a concerted effort by major stakeholders in mental health service delivery.
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