Paper Summary:

This paper examines the work of the mental health nurse in adult inpatient settings and the community. It specifically focuses on the effectiveness of the mental health nurse, based on her ability to achieve the goals of furthering client understanding, reduction of suicide and prevention of negative outcomes of hospitalization such as post-psychotic depression and post traumatic stress disorder. The paper discusses the role of the mental health nurse in maintaining the patient, in applying treatment and in monitoring progress.

From the Paper:

"The various studies show a high degree of acceptance of community-based psychiatric nursing as an alternative to more expensive and often onerous hospitalization, and how effective the intervention is deemed depends greatly on both the psychiatric problem being addressed and the specific treatment method undertaken. The approach is seen as effective in general terms, though some cases are more recalcitrant than others. How well trained the nurse practitioner may be is also an important variable, and numerous researchers suggest the need for a high degree of specific training for nurses undertaking this sort of practice, whether they be considered health nurses or mental health nurses as a basic role. Both types need training in psychiatric problems and how to treat them because both will encounter clients in need of treatment for mental problems in a community or home setting."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Badger, T., Mishel, B., Biocca, L., & Cardea, J. (1991). Depression assessment and management: Evaluating a community-based mental health training program for nurses. Public Health Nursing, 8, 170-176.
• Kennedy, C.W., Polivka, B.J., Bininger, C.J. (1995). Evaluating a Mental Health Education Program for Community Health Nurses. Journal of Community Health Nursing, Volume 12, Issue 4. Retrieved April 23, 2007 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=95871271.
• Lego, S. (1999). The One-to-One Nurse-Patient Relationship. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, Volume 35, Issue 4. Retrieved April 23, 2007 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001867906.
• McCrone, P., Beecham, J. & Knapp, M.R.J. (1994). Community psychiatric nurse teams: cost-effectiveness of intensive support versus generic care. British Journal of Psychiatry, 165, 218-221.
• Muijen, N., Cooney, N., Strathdee, G., Bell, R., & Hudson, A. (1994). Community psychiatric nurse teams: intensive versus generic care. British Journal of Psychiatry, 165, 211-217.

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