Mental Health Practice
Editor's choice
Why reform of the Mental Health Act should be a priority
The King’s speech offered nothing on Mental Health Act reforms, so we must push for change

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Your right to strike: condemnation for law limiting nurses’ scope for industrial action
Act could be legal breach, say unions and other groups monitoring post-Brexit rule changes
‘Cruel’ curbs on migrant care workers seen as disaster for NHS and social care
Ban on family members will discourage migrants, adding to workforce shortages, say critics
You can’t blame nurses’ strikes for record NHS waiting lists, minister told
Health and social care secretary said industrial action is one cause of backlogs
Avoidable deaths prompt calls for improved learning disability nursing provision in NHS
Report also cites lack of understanding of patients’ requirements in acute hospitals
Hospital intruder who posed as an agency nurse gave patient care and stole documentation
Security breach is a lesson for all healthcare organisations, said privacy watchdog
New anti-strike code of practice approved by MPs, despite human rights concerns
Government anti-strike measures called ‘a brazen attack on the right to strike’
Evidence and Practice
Changing the focus of adverse incident reporting in mental health nursing
Why nurses need to include workforce-related issues in adverse incident reports
What is the therapeutic relationship in mental health practice?
A therapeutic relationship between nurse and service user is vital for good outcomes
A service evaluation of ward rounds in an inpatient rehabilitation service
Service users’ and staff’s experiences on the effectiveness of ward rounds
Nursing associates: benefits of collaborations with mental health experts by experience
How long-term interactions with service users can improve confidence during training
Mental health tribunals: supporting patients and protecting the therapeutic relationship
An overview of the process and advice on displaying transparency and acting as the patient’s...
Exploring young people’s perspectives on digital technology and mental health care
Pilot study suggests avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to integrating digital technology...
Features
Settling in as an international nurse: ‘what I left behind to work in the UK’
Leaving her family behind was heartbreaking for nurse Susie Lagrata, but she has no regrets
Care for transgender people: how to create positive, inclusive experiences
The steps you can take to tackle health inequalities faced by trans people
Patient’s Choice award winners: The district nursing team that transformed my life
Janette Connor nominated the team for their holistic, compassionate care
Protect your well-being: how to stay calm when the world feels chaotic
Ways to maintain your focus and balance in the face of relentless grim news
RCN Nurse of the Year 2023: ‘We empower patients with choice’
Julie Roye’s determination to break down health inequalities has had an impressive impact
Patient suicide in mental health settings: how to cope with the aftermath
Coping strategies can help but more training and support is needed
Opinion
Why reform of the Mental Health Act should be a priority
The King’s speech offered nothing on Mental Health Act reforms, so we must push for change
How to reduce your chances of getting a virus at work this winter
Do your best to avoid common winter viruses by upping your infection control game
Patient’s clinical negligence complaint left me broken and isolated by misplaced shame
Accusation blighted my life – but here’s how I survived, and you could too
Students
Leading change as a nursing student: how to develop an innovation
Award winner explains how she co-produced a relevant, helpful resource with patients
What is ChatGPT and can I use it to help with an assignment?
Students need to be AI-literate, but must use the technology with caution
Student hardship funds: what am I entitled to and how can I apply?
The support available if you find yourself struggling to make ends meet
Careers
Moving from NHS to social care nursing: what are the benefits?
The career opportunities you may not have considered, including for newly registered staff
Midlife financial review: do I need one, and how do I do it?
Tips for nurses on NHS pensions, planning for future need and seeking financial advice
Safe staffing: how to report concerns, whatever your role or seniority
A practical guide to using ‘red flags’ to raise staffing gaps