Using the STARTER model to talk about sex in mental health nursing practice
The STARTER model is a step-by-step tool encouraging conversations about sexual health
05 May 2020
CPD articles
Our continuing professional development (CPD) articles are designed to assist with your nursing skills and practice.
Implementing trauma-informed care in mental health services
Mental health practitioners can support service users to move beyond traumatic events
07 Apr 2020
Well-being, physical and mental health: Helping service users cope with schizophrenia
Part 3 of our series explores the causes of schizophrenia and how it can lead to self-neglect
04 Sep 2019
Nursing care plans in mental health
An exploration of best practice in co-creating recovery-orientated care plans
30 Jul 2019
Improving physical health of people with mental illness: holistic nursing assessments
People with a mental illness are more susceptible to physical ill health
11 Jun 2019
Well-being, physical and mental health: part 2. Responding to trauma
Mental and physical health work together to support well-being, and never more importantly than when a patient experiences a sudden and devastating trauma. This article explores the interplay of mental and physical health in the context of acid attack burns to someone’s face. It explains trauma in event terms and how an understanding of types of psychological trauma can be drawn on to advance collaborative nursing practice in a burns unit. While nurses have been educated in separate disciplines, it is argued that working across the traditional divide can be advantageous in trauma situations. This is the second article in a series on ‘well-being, physical and mental health’.
02 Apr 2019
Well-being, physical and mental health: part 1
This article explains how physical health fits into the overall well-being of a person and why people with a mental illness are more likely than the rest of the population to experience poor physical health. It represents the first article in a series on body and mind, well-being and how physical and mental health issues interact as focal points for the work of mental health nurses. Historically, mental health and physical health have been conceived in western healthcare as separate domains and our preparation of registered nurses for practice has often reflected this. However, in this series, case studies are used to show how closely physical and mental health interact and how the two are important to sustain a state of well-being. The series is designed to help registered nurses reflect on their current practice and to help students to anticipate the range of care requirements that may be needed when a service user comes into their care.
19 Dec 2018
Solution-oriented learning: an approach that promotes motivation and resilience
This article explores the use of solution-oriented learning as an approach to coping with formal learning and practice development needs. The article explains each step of the solution-oriented learning process and gives examples related to student and qualified nurses’ experiences. Time out activities offer opportunities to apply theory to practice. The authors propose that wider application of the solution-oriented learning principles can support nurses in building resilience.
29 Aug 2018
Supporting women with mental health issues
The number of women experiencing mental ill health has increased, with young women more likely to experience mental distress than their male peers. Despite this, few NHS mental health trusts have a women’s mental health strategy in place, which suggests that there are opportunities to improve the skills and confidence of staff supporting women in mental health services. This article explores mental health issues experienced by women and aims to help staff develop a gender-informed understanding of mental healthcare to help improve the care of women.
02 May 2018
Understanding and implementing the nurse’s holding power (section 5(4)) of the Mental...
This article explores section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act, which permits nurses of a ‘prescribed class’ to detain an informal inpatient who is receiving treatment for mental disorder for up to six hours or until a doctor or approved clinician arrives. The article raises various issues in relation to the implementation of section 5(4), some, but not all of which are addressed by the relevant codes of practice for England and Wales. The authors raise important questions that nurses need to address if their holding power is to be applied appropriately in all cases.
11 Sep 2014
Physical healthcare needs: oral hygiene in the mental health setting
Nurses need to understand the importance of oral hygiene because of its effects on the individual’s quality of life. This requires thorough oral assessment, effective dental care and awareness of factors that may compromise oral health of clients. The importance of obtaining consent, maintaining dignity and privacy during any procedures, and consistent interpersonal and manual skills are emphasised.
07 Mar 2012
Exploring self-awareness in mental health practice
Self-awareness is integral to the development of mental health practitioners. This article defines the concept and considers how it can be nurtured, particularly in newly qualified nurses.
13 Nov 2008
Eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR)
Aims and intended learning outcomes This article discusses one of the trauma-focused...
01 Apr 2006
Managing depression: an overview
Depression is a common health problem but it is both under-detected and under-treated. It is...
01 Jun 2004
Alzheimer’s disease: caring for the carers
Support from carers is a key factor in the community care of people with dementia, but the...
01 May 2004
Management of aggression and violence in mental health settings
This article employs recently published material to reflect on issues relating to the...
01 Apr 2004
National nursing leadership programme
The NHS Plan ( DoH 2000 ) clearly articulates the need to modernise the health service in...
01 Nov 2002
Understanding and working with bereavement
Although we all experience bereavement at some point in our lives, the experience of...
01 Oct 2002