Consultant nurses in mental health: a discussion of the historical and policy context of the role.
This paper provides a platform for the discussion of the recent development of the nursing leadership role of consultant nurse. It focuses on the implementation of this role in mental health. The discussion is partially informed by evidence from personal reflections from consultant nurses obtained from semistructured interviews undertaken as part of a pilot study aimed at explaining the influences and context of nursing leadership in mental health. The authors believe that more in depth consideration needs to be given to the interpretation and implementation of such professional policy initiatives in to mental health nursing. Further thought also needs to be given to how consultant nurses in mental health can operationalize their expert clinical practice.
Hayes
J
J
Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust, Bath, UK. jayne.hayes@awp.nhs.uk
Harrison
A
A
D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007857:Leadership; D008605:Mental Health Services; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce