Hospital staff nurse perceptions of competency to care for patients with psychiatric or behavioral health concerns.
Disruptive behaviors are common among hospitalized patients with psychiatric and substance abuse behaviors. Nurses working on nonpsychiatric units, however, may lack competencies to care for patients with such behaviors. A survey was developed and administered to 844 nurses across three hospital settings that revealed a lack of nurse confidence to intervene in situations that require de-escalation techniques and crisis communication. This study provides direction for further research and interventions in hospital settings with similar professional development needs.
Dana N. Rutledge, PhD, RN, is Professor, Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, California. Mary E. Wickman, PhD, RN, is Research Facilitator, St. Jude Hospital, Fullerton, and Director, Nursing Program, Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, California. Marysol Cacciata, MSN, RN, is Research Coordinator, St. Jude Hospital, Fullerton, California. Elizabeth J. Winokur, PhD, RN, is Emergency Department & Behavioral Health Services Clinical Educator, St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, California. Jeannine Loucks, MSN, RN, is Clinical Coordinator, Behavioral Health Services, St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, California. Diane Drake, PhD, RN, is Nurse Research Scientist, Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, California.
Dana N
DN
Rutledge
Mary E
ME
Wickman
Marysol
M
Cacciata
Elizabeth J
EJ
Winokur
Jeannine
J
Loucks
Diane
D
Drake
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires