This research investigated the experiences and practices of mental health registered nurses working within an acute mental health facility. The research explored the workplace environment and sought to gain a greater understanding of the elements that contribute to a safe and healthy workplace setting.The research methodology utilised a critical feminist framework. Thirteen women participants were involved in the research project including myself as a research participant. All participants were employed in an acute mental health facility in New South Wales. Four research methods were incorporated into the study these were focus groups, individual interviews, reflective journaling and creative expression and journaling. The study revealed a diverse range of opinion on nursing culture and profession, linking individual experience with group connectiveness, value and belonging.The findings of this research demonstrated that the women’s experience and practices as registered nurses working in mental health care were influenced directly by the management of the health service organisation and the operational leadership within the mental health facility. The data revealed five themes, these were: stress and mental health nursing practice, coping with violence, professional development, the spirit of nursing and the therapeutic relationship.Overall there were numerous links between the women’s experiences as nurses and their relationships with their colleagues, patients and the community. The results exposed professional pressures and inherent tensions within mental health nursing and highlighted an urgency to review a current health care structureThe study identified environmental factors that impacted upon the workplace and revealed a dichotomy between the nurses’ perception of care and their ability to provide it. The research raised disquiet regarding violence and aggression, inadequate career structure, recruitment, retention and education. Jutxaposed to this, the research identified collegial friendship, spirituality and stress management as contributing factors to a safe and healthy workplace. Finally, the notions of teamwork, diversity and creativity were found to be intrinsically linked to job satisfaction and client outcome.

This research investigated the experiences and practices of mental health registered nurses working within an acute mental health facility. The research explored the workplace environment and sought to gain a greater understanding of the elements that contribute to a safe and healthy workplace setting.The research methodology utilised a critical feminist framework. Thirteen women participants were involved in the research project including myself as a research participant. All participants were employed in an acute mental health facility in New South Wales. Four research methods were incorporated into the study these were focus groups, individual interviews, reflective journaling and creative expression and journaling. The study revealed a diverse range of opinion on nursing culture and profession, linking individual experience with group connectiveness, value and belonging.The findings of this research demonstrated that the women’s experience and practices as registered nurses working in mental health care were influenced directly by the management of the health service organisation and the operational leadership within the mental health facility. The data revealed five themes, these were: stress and mental health nursing practice, coping with violence, professional development, the spirit of nursing and the therapeutic relationship.Overall there were numerous links between the women’s experiences as nurses and their relationships with their colleagues, patients and the community. The results exposed professional pressures and inherent tensions within mental health nursing and highlighted an urgency to review a current health care structureThe study identified environmental factors that impacted upon the workplace and revealed a dichotomy between the nurses’ perception of care and their ability to provide it. The research raised disquiet regarding violence and aggression, inadequate career structure, recruitment, retention and education. Jutxaposed to this, the research identified collegial friendship, spirituality and stress management as contributing factors to a safe and healthy workplace. Finally, the notions of teamwork, diversity and creativity were found to be intrinsically linked to job satisfaction and client outcome.

This research investigated the experiences and practices of mental health registered nurses working within an acute mental health facility. The research explored the workplace environment and sought to gain a greater understanding of the elements that contribute to a safe and healthy workplace setting.The research methodology utilised a critical feminist framework. Thirteen women participants were involved in the research project including myself as a research participant. All participants were employed in an acute mental health facility in New South Wales. Four research methods were incorporated into the study these were focus groups, individual interviews, reflective journaling and creative expression and journaling. The study revealed a diverse range of opinion on nursing culture and profession, linking individual experience with group connectiveness, value and belonging.The findings of this research demonstrated that the women’s experience and practices as registered nurses working in mental health care were influenced directly by the management of the health service organisation and the operational leadership within the mental health facility. The data revealed five themes, these were: stress and mental health nursing practice, coping with violence, professional development, the spirit of nursing and the therapeutic relationship.Overall there were numerous links between the women’s experiences as nurses and their relationships with their colleagues, patients and the community. The results exposed professional pressures and inherent tensions within mental health nursing and highlighted an urgency to review a current health care structureThe study identified environmental factors that impacted upon the workplace and revealed a dichotomy between the nurses’ perception of care and their ability to provide it. The research raised disquiet regarding violence and aggression, inadequate career structure, recruitment, retention and education. Jutxaposed to this, the research identified collegial friendship, spirituality and stress management as contributing factors to a safe and healthy workplace. Finally, the notions of teamwork, diversity and creativity were found to be intrinsically linked to job satisfaction and client outcome.

There are many negative consequences of childhood sexual abuse, (Browne Finkelhor, 1990). These effects do not vanish with adulthood and some adults stay scarred for life. However, it has been noted that some victims of childhood sexual abuse recover better than others regardless of the particular type of abuse. Could this adaptation be related to, or represent "hardiness" of the adult? The purpose of this report is to explore the hardiness of adult victims of child sexual abuse and the adaptation strategies practiced. To achieve this goal, The Health Related Hardiness Scale, created by Susan Pollock, PhD. was adopted. Data was collected from fifteen adult females who, by their own definition were sexually abused as children. They completed the HRHS questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis revealed a significant p-value of 0.0002 indicating that support is an important component to "buffer" the negative effects of stress. However this study revealed a high level of hardiness overall in the participating individuals

Disparities in access to mental health care for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders continue to exist in the United States despite the creation of mental health policies seeking to improve access to care. As an integral element of healthcare system delivery, access is influenced by spatial (location) and non-spatial (sociodemographic) factors. Highlighting both spatial and non-spatial dimensions of access to mental healthcare, this study employed an innovative approach encompassing the geography of access and the integration of location analyses to bridge the gap between psychosocial dynamics and mental health services for improving cost-effective continuity of care. The aims were as follows: (1) a comprehensive investigation of mental health service accessibility and utilization using geographic information systems (GIS), (2) an examination of the concept of access to mental health care, and (3) a secondary analysis of data involving street networking to investigate whether accessibility (travel time) and selected sociodemographic variables correlated and predicted treatment adherence among adult patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The results from this study will inform future nursing and community interventions for outpatient follow-up care for individuals seeking mental health care services.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness resulting from exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD vary, but those affected commonly experience nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and trouble sleeping; they may also avoid people or situations that trigger traumatic memories. It is estimated that PTSD affects about 10-30% of all United States veterans. Additionally, traditional treatment methods have an average dropout rate of 25% among military personnel. Inadequate PTSD symptom management may lead to depression, anxiety, suicidality, isolation, unstable relationships, and substance misuse. The purpose of this review is to examine the current research concerning the use of service dogs as a treatment option for the management of PTSD and its associated symptoms among veterans with PTSD. A database search was done using CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and MEDLINE. Limited research has been done on the effects service dogs have on American veterans' management of PTSD. A total of eight studies met all inclusion criteria and were analyzed as part of this literature review. The results of this review of the current literature suggest that psychiatric service dogs have a positive influence on the management of PTSD among veterans. The studies analyzed suggest that the acquisition of a service dog contributes to lower PTSD scores and sequelae among veterans.

Implementation of a Protocol to Improve Quality and Use of Existing Crisis Safety Plan Kaitlynn Earls, Dr. Jo-Ann Marrs, Dr. Judy Rice, Dr. Beth Schreiner. College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University. Crisis safety plans are an important tool for decreasing suicide attempts if a crisis situation arises. Pre-implementation data found that only approximately 20% of clients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder in medication services only had a up to date crisis safety plan in place. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to implement and evaluate a protocol to increase the use of an already established crisis safety plan in the outpatient setting within the electronic medical record. Aim is to increase imitating and updating crisis safety plans for clients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Participants include clerical and nursing and providers. Target population are patients diagnosed with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder with appointments in medication services clinic. Clerical staff will identify those in the target population who do not have updated safety plan. Those without an updated plan will meet with the LPN and/or nurse practitioner who will document it in the electronic medical record. Outcome goal of 75% or more would be completed by the end of the 12 week implementation period, with approximately 45 of 60 safety plans will be up to date by the end of the implementation period. Preliminary findings include an increase in recognition of absent safety plans, as well as more awareness about the importance of crisis safety plans among staff.

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People with lung cancer are at a high risk of developing anxiety and depression during cancer treatments. Previous research has shown physical activity to be effective in improving psychological symptoms in people with cancer, however, the majority of studies have focused on female breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this literature review was to determine if physical activity interventions can effectively and feasibly reduce anxiety and depression in people with lung cancer who are undergoing treatment. A database search was conducted in CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and SPORTDiscus. The search resulted in 265 articles and 9 were selected for inclusion in this review. Four studies showed significant improvements in anxiety and depression, six studies showed significant improvements in only anxiety, and the remaining studies showed no effect. The studies that improved both anxiety and depression used multimodal physical activity programs that included the use of supplemental psychological and health promoting interventions. Limitations included high drop-out rates, small sample sizes, and using different physical activity programs in a portion of the studies. Multimodal physical activity programs are safe and feasible and should be recommended to reduce anxiety and depressions in people with lung cancer undergoing treatment.