Mental health nursing skills in an acute admission environment: perceptions of mental health nurses and other mental health professionals

Some of the findings of a descriptive study into the perceived therapeutic skills of mental health nurses are presented. The study was set in an acute psychiatric admission unit of a district general hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers. The data were analysed through thematic content analysis. The findings suggest that nurses in this environment valued and possessed a range of therapeutic skills and qualities, but were unable to draw on these, leaving them to employ mainly coordinating, administrative and managerial skills. A number of influencing factors were identified, which prevented nurses from using their therapeutic potential. The author argues that the vision of mental health nursing in this setting may have to be altered.