title: Transformative change of self: the unique focus of (adolescent) mental health nursing?
abstract: In mental health nursing, inadequate nursing practice research has resulted in a deficit of knowledge concerning the nurse-client relationship; an area seen as the heart of practice. In turn, the specialty has experienced difficulty in identifying its unique domain of practice. Findings from a hermeneutic study into adolescent mental health nursing explicated its practice knowledge. These findings include: (i) 'engaging in therapeutic relationships'; (ii) 'guiding the potential for change'; and (iii) 'facilitating positive outcomes'. A higher order finding was named 'fostering a functional self'. These findings are discussed. Findings point to the nature, purpose and processes of the nurse-client relationship, and to outcomes from that relationship. It is suggested they also represent a beginning understanding of the specialty's unique contribution to nursing; that mental health nursing fosters transformative change of self.
authors.affiliation: University of Western Sydney, School of Nursing, Family and Community Health, Parramatta Campus, Building ER, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC 1797 NSW, Australia. r.geanellos@uws.edu.au
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geanellos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000296:Adolescent Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012114:Residential Treatment; D012649:Self Concept