Transformative change of self: the unique focus of (adolescent) mental health nursing?

Full Abstract

In mental health nursing, inadequate nursing practice research has resulted in a deficit of knowledge concerning the nurse-client relationship; an area seen as the heart of practice. In turn, the specialty has experienced difficulty in identifying its unique domain of practice. Findings from a hermeneutic study into adolescent mental health nursing explicated its practice knowledge. These findings include:
(i) 'engaging in therapeutic relationships'; (ii) 'guiding the potential for change'; and (iii) 'facilitating positive outcomes'. A higher order finding was named 'fostering a functional self'. These findings are discussed. Findings point to the nature, purpose and processes of the nurse-client relationship, and to outcomes from that relationship. It is suggested they also represent a beginning understanding of the specialty's unique contribution to nursing; that mental health nursing fosters transformative change of self.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Geanellos, Rene (R);

Affiliation: University of Western Sydney, School of Nursing, Family and Community Health, Parramatta Campus, Building ER, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC 1797 NSW, Australia. r.geanellos(-atsign-)uws.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: International journal of mental health nursing (Int J Ment Health Nurs), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Sep; vol 11 (issue 3) : pp 174-85

Dates: Created 2003/01/03; Completed 2003/01/17; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12510595, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.