Transformative moments in psychiatric mental health nurses' experience

Abstract

Nurses have many experiences in practice. Some experiences however impact on us more than other practice experiences. This study explores the experiences that have impacted on the nurse in such a way that they have caused her to change the way in which she practices. The type of change that is explored is not an ordinary change but one that has enabled the nurse to transform her practice. This study uses a phenomenological approach. Phenomenology is a philosophy as well as a research method. It reveals how we live in the world, what are the meanings and understanding we create for ourselves. The phenomenological research method supports examination and exploration of the person's perceptions and understandings of an experience. It is through this approach that we can understand the participant's experience of transformation. This study explores with three experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses transformative processes which were triggered by moments in practice which presented a challenge to them. For each of the nurses this moment brought about a critical awareness of self in practice and this began the whole process of transformation. Some characteristics of the transformative moment were identified. As the nurse confronted and explored the challenge to her practice she began to change. This was not an easy process but through her commitment to practice and the clients she worked with, the change in practice occurred. Transformative experiences draw on and develop the nurse's knowledge of practice. Critical aspects of the transformative experience relate to how the nurse is in practice and how she interprets her practice in order to meet the challenges found in practice and to develop practice. Considerations for further research are suggested.