Mental Health Nurses' Knowledge and Views on Talking Therapies in Clinical Practice

Nurses consider that their training, knowledge and skills in evidence-based talking therapy models are essential for competent mental health nursing practice. Using a qualitative descriptive research design this study explored nurses' knowledge and views on their talking therapy training and skills in practice. The study examined the use of talking therapies, or specialised interpersonal processes, embodied within the Te Ao Maramatanga: New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses Inc (2004) Standards of Practice for Mental Health Nurses in New Zealand. A survey questionnaire was sent to 227 registered nurses from a District Health Board (DHB) Mental Health Service and a sample of eight nurses participated in a semi-structured interview. Content analysis based on the headings " knowledge views, skill acquisition and skill transfer" established the major themes from the data collection processes. The findings of this study confirmed that nurses believe their knowledge and skills in evidence-based talking therapies to be vitally important in mental health nursing practice. Nurses identified that talking therapy training courses needed to be clinically relevant and that some learning strategies were advantageous. The identification of some knowledge gaps for, nurses with limited post graduate experience, and for nurses who currently work in inpatient areas suggests that further consideration must be given to ensure that a cohesive, sustainable approach is ensured for progression of workforce development projects relevant to training in talking therapies for mental health nurses in New Zealand.