A Positive Approach to Mental Health Nursing: Role, Values and Attitudes

Abstract

In this chapter we will explore the attitudes and beliefs that are required in mental health nursing at a time of increasing and enduring change and attempt to conceptualize what contemporary mental health nurses do when they nurse. According to Shives (1998) attitudes are developed in various ways and may be the result of interaction with the environment, assimilation of other’s attitudes, life experiences, intellectual processes, or a traumatic experience. The terms that are used to describe attitudes include accepting, caring, prejudice and judgmental. It will be argued that the values and attitudes prevalent within a traditional model of mental health nursing, underpinned by a biomedical approach, have often frustrated and failed us, although they are still extremely strong, entrenched and pervasive. However, with the arrival of evidence-based mental health care the opportunity for change appears to be upon us and with it, perhaps, the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for the whole community.