title: Skills, knowledge, and attitudes expected of a newly-graduated mental health nurse in an inpatient setting.
abstract: Mental health nurses (MHN) are at the forefront of care and treatment within acute inpatient settings. Research suggests that newly-graduated MHN are unsure about the skills and knowledge that they are expected to possess, and are expected to practice at a level that they are not prepared for in their undergraduate courses; however, research focusing on competencies for newly-graduated MHN is scarce. This study aimed to identify competencies expected of newly-graduated MHN working in a regional mental health facility in New South Wales, Australia. Eight registered nurses (with varying levels of experience) participated in individual semistructured interviews. Four themes were identified, and termed: communication, safety, self-awareness, and treatment. Within these four themes, 14 competencies were described that detail clear aims for new graduates, provide a better understanding of mental health nursing, and promote specialized and competent practice in mental health.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Janette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D009517:New South Wales; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education*