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The aim of this study was to explore nurses' use of vigilance in the provision of inpatient psychiatric care. In this qualitative exploratory descriptive design study, 16 nurses working in inpatient psychiatric units were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and fieldwork observations and analysed using conventional content analysis. According to participants, nurses' vigilance is related to synthesising knowledge, experience, communication, and presence. This conclusion was derived from four main themes: understanding the context of the psychiatric ward; continuous monitoring; cognitive assessments; and involving others. The study highlights the significance of education for all mental health staff and provision of appropriate information to all patients and their companions about psychiatric disorders and the side effects of prescribed medications. Of importance is the skill of active listening to the concerns of patients and the demonstration of commitment by nurses to follow-up on reports from stakeholders. Imparting the skills and experiences of senior nurses to novice nurses and their presence alongside other nurses on work-shifts can be effective in promoting vigilance.

Using structured interviews a study was undertaken with 19 high school students in Hong Kong to elicit their perceptions of nursing as a profession. The study also sought to gauge the extent of the students' intentions on pursuing a career in nursing. Responses were content analysed to determine the extent of knowledge and understanding held, intentions on choosing nursing as a career and their reasons. Findings suggest the image of nursing to be poor and that nursing as a career is far from desirable amongst the teenagers of Hong Kong. The reasons appear to be related to the notion of monetary rewards and status within the Hong Kong community. There is also a lack of knowledge as to what nurses do. The implications of such findings include the lost potential for recruitment of candidates of high calibre with a lot to offer the profession and their society. It suggests the need for the profession to find ways of publicizing and marketing the positive aspects with elements of realism which the general population in that part of the world could relate to more readily.

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Enhancing therapeutic relationships between patients and staff is of central importance to improve the quality and safety of care in psychiatric inpatient units. However, there is limited evidence as to how therapeutic relationships may be enabled in this specific context. This paper presents findings of a study that explored the link between therapeutic relationships and safety in Iranian psychiatric inpatient units. In this exploratory, descriptive study, seven patients at the point of discharge and 19 staff in psychiatric inpatient units in Iran were interviewed regarding their experiences of care. The quality of staff-patient relationship in providing a safe environment was categorized into two groups of "facilitators" and "inhibitors". Facilitators of a safe environment included "supportive relationship with patients" and "improving patient capacity for self-efficacy/self-control". Inhibitors, on the other hand, included "detachment from patients" and "domination over patients", which ultimately limited safety on the ward. Findings indicate interrelated environmental, patient and staff factors mediating the potential for therapeutic relationships and quality and safety of care. Findings suggest the need for more effective preparation and support for staff working within psychiatric inpatient settings. In addition, environments more conducive to collaborative recovery-oriented practice are required to enhance therapeutic relationships and improve quality and safety of care. Both individual staff responsibility and effective leadership are required to realize change.