The lived experience of psychiatric nurses who have a relative with a mental illness: a Heideggerian hermeneutical analysis

Abstract

The aim of this research project was to determine what it means to be a psychiatric nurse by examining the experiences of psychiatric nurses who have a relative with a mental illness. Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology formed the framework for the study. Interviews were conducted with three experienced psychiatric nurses and core stories were created from their narratives. Themes of "Being there", "Being concerned" and "Being challenged" were identified from the nurses' accounts. This thematic structure was used to illuminate the essence of being a psychiatric nurse and to articulate the skills required to practice effectively. The findings of the study highlighted the importance of the role of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship and of the role of the family in psychiatric nursing practice. The therapeutic relationship was again shown to be fundamental to the work of psychiatric nurses. The significant contribution that family members can make to the provision of care for people with a mental illness was acknowledged, as was the need for an effective partnership between families and psychiatric nurses. Implications of the findings of this study for the future of psychiatric nursing practice include a need for a greater role being played by families of people with a mental illness in all aspects of their care and the need for ongoing research into how this may best be achieved and into how outcomes can best be measured.