Introducing Mental Health Nursing offers a systematic overview of both the science and the art of caring for people experiencing mental health problems. It addresses the attitudes, knowledge and skills required to provide care for consumers across all health care settings, from specialist mental health services to general hospitals and community care. The authors place the consumer at the centre of all aspects of mental health care and emphasise the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of mental health nursing practice. They also encourage nurses to think critically about the perspectives that they bring to their practice. They outline key skills in assessment, working collaboratively with clients and creating a safe therapeutic environment. They also cover essential clinical knowledge needed to work effectively with people with mental illness. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse as an intrinsic member of the mental health team. 'This book is an excellent addition to the literature in this important but long-neglected area. Its value is substantially enhanced by actively incorporating an informed consumer perspective essential for all practitioners.' Professor Brian Burdekin AO 'I recommend this text to all students of nursing, whether you intend to pursue a career in this speciality or if you simply desire to provide the best care possible in any field of practice.' Associate Professor Stephen Elsom RN PhD, Director, Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, The University of Melbourne

Table of Contents

PrefacePART I Background and Context for Mental Health Nursing1 Introduction2 Conceptual frameworks3 Legal, ethical and professional issues in mental health nursingPART II Mental Health Nursing Roles and Practice4 Mental health and illness assessment5 Nursing care in mental health6 A safe environmentPART III Defining, Understanding and Treating Mental Health Problems7 Psychiatric diagnoses8 Symptomatology in mental health9 Physical treatments in mental health care10 Treatments in mental health and other therapies11 Social determinants and issues in mental healthPART IV Practice Settings in Mental Health12 Mental health practice settings13 Specialty areas of mental health nursing practice14 Mental health issues in the general health care settingPART V Mental Health and Mental Health Nursing Research15 Mental health nursing researchReferencesIndex