Research and psychiatric nursing

All nurses must be prepared, trained in these skills, with the various types of nursing having different skills profiles, and reading, critical analysis and writing skills apply equally to all nurses.

Abstract

It is a truism that nursing is a skills-based profession. All branches of nursing have their particular ranges of skills which differentiate them. Some of these skills involve the manipulation of instruments and equipment, often in relation to the human body. Others involve interactions with people, patients/clients, the lay public and other professionals. Yet another group of skills involve cognitive activity, for example, problem solving and planning. Related to these latter skills are the skills of reading, critical analysis and writing. All nurses must be prepared, trained in these skills, with the various types of nursing having different skills profiles. Psychiatric nursing has a skills profile that is weighted towards interpersonal problem solving and planning. Reading, critical analysis and writing skills apply equally to all nurses. Generally speaking, the acquisition of these skills is a function of practice and experience. Most courses leading to a qualification in nursing, at both basic and post-basic levels, are concerned with the provision of experience and opportunities for practice. In particular the most apt experience seems to be that in the clinical setting where, under supervision, the student can develop the relevant skills. Much can also be done in preparation, in learning laboratories.KeywordsStudent NurseNurse TherapistPsychiatric NursingStaff MoraleRepertory Grid TechniqueThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.