Abstract
There is an expectation for registered nurses to commence their graduate programs equipped
with the fundamental skills to care for people with complex mental health conditions. The
reality is most pre-registration courses have one discrete mental health unit and three weeks of clinical placement. Surprisingly, this exposure is not mandated for a pre-registration course to be accredited with ANMAC. Universities decide how to adequately prepare their graduates to work in mental health settings. Being underprepared for clinical practice brings about many challenges and implications. For the graduate, work readiness or lack of can impact their confidence, ability to remain in the health service and ultimately service user safety and quality of care. Mental health nurse educators have had to think of creative ways to maximise the education provided to best ensure workplace readiness. Consequently, simulations were deemed to be most appropriate to immerse students in the ‘real’ clinical setting.
We created three simulations based on persons experiencing mental ill health emphasising
outcomes related to listening and building meaningful relationships. The simulations proved valuable. Survey responses showed improved confidence and ability in communicating with people experiencing mental illness and distress. The simulation also increased empathy
towards people experiencing mental ill health.
with the fundamental skills to care for people with complex mental health conditions. The
reality is most pre-registration courses have one discrete mental health unit and three weeks of clinical placement. Surprisingly, this exposure is not mandated for a pre-registration course to be accredited with ANMAC. Universities decide how to adequately prepare their graduates to work in mental health settings. Being underprepared for clinical practice brings about many challenges and implications. For the graduate, work readiness or lack of can impact their confidence, ability to remain in the health service and ultimately service user safety and quality of care. Mental health nurse educators have had to think of creative ways to maximise the education provided to best ensure workplace readiness. Consequently, simulations were deemed to be most appropriate to immerse students in the ‘real’ clinical setting.
We created three simulations based on persons experiencing mental ill health emphasising
outcomes related to listening and building meaningful relationships. The simulations proved valuable. Survey responses showed improved confidence and ability in communicating with people experiencing mental illness and distress. The simulation also increased empathy
towards people experiencing mental ill health.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 82-83 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 9 Aug 2024 |
| Event | Victorian Collaborative Mental Health Nursing Conference 2024: Nurturing our generations - Moonee Valley Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia Duration: 8 Aug 2024 → 9 Aug 2024 https://thecollab.org.au/ https://thecollab.org.au/abstracts-2024 |
Conference
| Conference | Victorian Collaborative Mental Health Nursing Conference 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | The Collab 2024 |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| Period | 8/08/24 → 9/08/24 |
| Internet address |
