A Narrative Inquiry Exploring the Values of Mental Health Nurses Working in In-patient Settings
A Narrative Inquiry Exploring the Values of Mental Health Nurses Working in In-patient Settings
Project summary: This research project examined the values of mental health nurses working in inpatient settings. It considered the factors which influenced the development and maintenance of values during the transition from student to professional and considered implications for training and practice developments.
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The research employed a narrative approach to data collection which involved gathering participants’ stories of any events and experiences meaningful to them in relation to nursing. The twelve participants interviewed had all worked in in-patient settings and had between 6 months and three years experience of mental health nursing practice. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted to identify the commonalities within participant’s accounts of their values when applied to practice. The findings show the values of newly qualified nurses are often held prior to commencing their training and reinforced in practice as a result of being inspired by others who they admire, or being critical of others who they did not respect. Participants described values in line with a humanistic approach. They also appeared to develop values in line with the professional ethical principles placed upon them by external management and governing bodies.
Participants described a range of organisational constraints while working within mental health services which challenged their values. They coped with this conflict in a variety of ways. Some individuals recognised their values were challenged but appeared not to voice this in practice. These participants accepted they would continue to work within the system. Others strongly questioned the organisational philosophy and the constraints this placed on their values in practice. In response participants were considering working outside of the organisation. Finally, some participants worked within the system to initiate change, despite resistance from others and potential separation from the team.
Dissemination: Stacey, G., Joynson, K., Diamond, B. and Stickley, T., 2011. How do nurses cope when values and practice conflict Nursing Times. 107(5), 20 – 24
Resources:
Nursing Times Journal
Powerpoint Presentation
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