Comprehensive guide on what it means to be a mental health nurse, with up-to-date clinical perspectives and insightful case studies

Thriving in Mental Health Nursing delivers a 360-degree view of what it means to be a mental health nurse and how to be a resilient, positive, and proactive professional in the field. This book teaches readers to consider their own skills, development needs, and wellbeing while providing an overview of the latest clinical research within the field and what it means for their clients.

While most mental health nursing books focus on clinical skills and patient conditions, this book adopts a holistic approach to the profession by covering topics like managing personal trauma when providing trauma-focused care, understanding, avoiding, and overcoming burnout, and maintaining hope in a post-pandemic staffing crisis.

In-depth discussion, vignettes, relevant case studies, and activity suggestions support learning and engagement for healthcare professionals at every step of their careers, from first embarking on a training course to being an experienced mental health nurse. Special attention is paid to diversity and inclusivity themes including micro-aggressions, allyship, and more.

Other topics explored in Thriving in Mental Health Nursing include:

• Risk in the form of self-harm, suicide, violence, and aggression, with tips on how to take positive risks and manage risk safely when required
• Ethical issues in the field, including key perspectives on detaining individuals under the Mental Health Act (1983)
• Guidelines for identifying and addressing conflict, whether it arises between team members or from clients, including best practices for de-escalation

Thriving in Mental Health Nursing is an invaluable guide for all nurses in the field, from first-year nurses to the most experienced registered nurses, along with students seeking to understand the significant challenges and obstacles they may encounter.