title: Medical-Surgical Nurses' Perceptions of Psychiatric Patients: A Review of the Literature With Clinical and Practice Applications.
abstract: The literature consistently shows that medical-surgical nurses frequently lack the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to render holistic nursing care to patients with severe mental illness (SMI). The negative perceptions often portrayed by medical-surgical nurses towards SMI patients with comorbid medical-surgical disorders must be addressed in order to ameliorate treatment gaps. Current concepts, issues, and challenges associated with the perceptions of nurses who care for patients with (SMI) in medical-surgical settings can prove overwhelming to both nurses and patients, and can result in concerning practice gaps. In accordance with a contemporary model of patient-centered care, it is imperative that medical-surgical nurses acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work with this high-risk population. Cultivating an environment that promotes apposite attitudes along with effective training programs for medical-surgical nurses, may shift negative perceptions and ultimately meet best practice standards and improve outcomes for patients with SMI.
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL. Electronic address: va213@nova.edu.
authors.forename: Vinette
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: Jackson Medical Center, Miami, FL. Electronic address: hellis@jhsmiami.org.
authors.forename: Horace
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL. Electronic address: barbarr@nova.edu.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barrett
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D000069469:Medical-Surgical Nursing; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D057545:Social Stigma