Diane J. Torkelson

The Role of the Inpatient Psychiatric Nurse and Its Effect on Job Satisfaction

This study recorded the amount of time 73 nurses working on inpatient psychiatric units spent on specific functions during a shift. The nurses also rated the amount of time they actually spent on the functions versus the amount of time they ideally would like to spend. Nurses spent only 2.18 minutes per shift teaching symptom management, and close to 2 hours on paperwork. Correlations between time spent in specific functions and job satisfaction indicate that nurses who spent more time with direct patient care were more satisfied. The results offer insight for increasing job satisfaction and retention/recruitment efforts.

Interventions in response to chemically dependent nurses: Effect of context and interpretation

Despite state laws and professional norms, administrators intervene in different ways in response to chemically dependent nurses. The purpose of this study was to examine how context and interpretation affect these interventions. Nurse administrators from 322 hospitals participated in the study. Regression analysis revealed a relationship between interpretation (threat or nonthreat) of chemically dependent nurses and the interventions. The higher the degree of threat perceived in relation to these nurses, the higher the tendency to terminate them (p<.01), and the lower the tendency to refer them to treatment (p<.05), reintegrate them (p<.01), and hire them (p<.01). Two context variables, professionalization and communication, were related to reintegration (p<.05). Understanding the relationship between context and interpretation on decision making will allow for progress toward improved management of the health care environment.

Beginning the Recovery Journey in Acute Psychiatric Care: Using Concepts from Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory

A national agenda has been established for mental health systems to move toward a recovery model of care. Recovery principles are embedded in the foundations of nursing science and practice. Orems Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (SCDNT) is in alignment with the ideals of recovery and can provide a structure for changing cultures on inpatient psychiatric units. SCDNT can guide research activities that link a patients self-care abilities to improved recovery model outcomes. This paradigm shift is an opportunity for psychiatric nursing to return to its roots and deliver care that is patient-centered and conducive to recovering from mental illness.

The Clinical Nurse Leader: Helping Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses Transform Their Practice

The national movement to transform the health care delivery systems must include a focus on mental health treatment. To address similar deficits across other practice domains, the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role has been created. The CNL is a masters degree that prepares a nurse to use a systems perspective to improve outcomes for a cohort of patient, deliver care based on best practices, and coordinate care in a multidisciplinary team. Applying the CNL role to mental health care could help psychiatric mental health nursing be at the forefront in the transformation of mental health care delivery.

Sexual Rights of People With Serious and Persistent Mental Illness: Gathering Evidence for Decision Making

Abstract Management of sexual relationships between adults with serious and persistent mental illness in residential care is a complex issue. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 is a federal law that defines the need for long-term care facilities to protect the privacy and visitation rights of residents. State interpretations of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 and patient advocacy groups may exert pressure on administrators to consider the need to allow consensual sexual activity between residents. This research review of sexual behavior of people with serious and persistent mental illness provides evidence to guide decision making for policy formation, clinical practice, and research.