Leadership, support and acknowledgement of registered nurses work in acute mental health units

Abstract

In acute mental health inpatient units, it is not surprising that culture, peers, immediate management, and sources of support and acknowledgment all contribute to positive nursing outcomes. In this qualitative study, four questions targeting leadership, culture, support, and acknowledgement of work well done were asked of 40 registered nurses (RN) working in acute mental health units. Findings convey a mixed picture indicating variation across units. Three-quarters believe that senior nursing staff actively contribute to a positive working environment. Almost half of the RN nominated peers as the providers of counsel and support when required, and a similar percentage believed that senior nursing staff fulfil these roles. Of interviewees, 33% said their nursing achievements are never, or rarely, acknowledged. For these RN, management, peers, and nurse unit managers are the preferred personnel to provide appropriate positive feedback. Thus, there is a gap between the expectations and hopes that nurses have for senior management approaches and behaviours and the reality of their daily experience. Overall, the responses portray a culture that underpins and enables both subtle interpersonal interactions that might arise out of necessity given the perceived lack of support from non-hands-on RN and administrators.

Nurses experiences of delivering care in acute inpatient mental health settings: A narrative synthesis of the literature

“…Some nurses identified unsupportive organizational cultures which were often attributed to hospital administration practices (Cleary et al . ). In this context, nurses were often left with a sense that they had insufficient time to deliver person‐centred care to consumers; they were not well supported; and their roles were ambiguous (Graneheim et al .…”

“…Within this ward environment, effective teamwork based on a commitment to professional behaviour at all levels of nursing was essential (Cleary et al . ,b). Effective teamwork was essential for minimising work related stress experienced by nursing staff (Ward ).…”

“…It also identifies that the cohesiveness of the team is essential to the development and maintenance of an optimistic atmosphere (Cleary et al . ). A positive work environment, as well as personal attributes of staff, are integral to the delivery of optimum care (Cleary et al .…”

“…A positive work environment, as well as personal attributes of staff, are integral to the delivery of optimum care (Cleary et al . ,c; Powell et al . ).…”

A good day in nursing: Views of recent Singaporean graduates

“…All interviews were digitally recorded, and responses transcribed. The interview questions were adapted from previous studies (Cleary et al, 2012;Cleary et al, 2012a;Cleary, Horsfall, O'Hara-Aarons, Jackson, & Hunt, 2011). English language was used.…”