KMC COLLAGE OF NURSING
MEERUT
Seminar
ON
SCOPE OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
Submitted to Submitted By
Ms. Zeba Azam Tyagi Ms Sashi Aashiyan
Professor of Psychiatric Nursing MSc Nursing 2nd year
SCOPE OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
INTRODUCTION: Mental health refers to the well-being of a person's
emotional, psychological, and social capabilities. It affects how individuals
think, feel, and behave, and influences their ability to cope with life's
challenges. Good mental health is characterized by stability, resilience, and
positive relationships with others, while poor mental health can manifest as
anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Mental health is an
important aspect of overall health and well-being and plays a role in
determining a person's quality of life.
Mental Health Nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care
of individuals with mental illness, emotional distress, and behavioral problems.
Mental health nurses work in a variety of settings, including inpatient
psychiatric units, community mental health centers, and schools, among others.
They provide holistic, person-centered care that addresses not only the
symptoms of mental illness but also the underlying psychological, social, and
environmental factors that contribute to it. Mental health nurses work closely
with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop
and implement treatment plans, monitor progress, and ensure patients receive
the care they need. The role of mental health nurses is critical in promoting the
recovery, well-being, and quality of life of individuals with mental health needs.
In India, around 150 million people require counselling for mental health
issues. Despite this, only over 30 million people seek assistance.
The optimal ratio of psychiatrists to the population is roughly 1:8000 to
10,000, but the country now has just about 3,500, or about one psychiatrist
for every over 2 lakh people.
There are 20,000 Clinical Psychologists needed, but only 1000 are available.
The requirement for Psychiatric Social Workers is 35,000, but only 900 are
available; for Psychiatric Nurses, the requirement is 30,000, but only 1500 are
available.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, the whole mental health
workforce consists of 7,000 clinical psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric
social workers, and psychiatric nurses, but the actual need is over 55,000.
Components of Mental Health:
Mental health is a complex concept that encompasses a range of different
aspects of a person's psychological well-being. The components of mental
health include
Emotional well-being: This refers to a person's ability to manage and regulate
their emotions, and experience positive feelings like happiness, joy, and
contentment.
Psychological well-being: This refers to a person's sense of purpose,
meaningful relationships, and satisfaction with life.
Cognitive functioning: This refers to a person's ability to think, reason, and
remember information.
Social well-being: This refers to a person's ability to connect with others, form
and maintain relationships, and engage in healthy social activities.
Resilience: This refers to a person's ability to bounce back from difficult
experiences, adapt to change, and manage stress effectively.
Scope in Psychiatric Nursing
Hospitals: A mental health nurse's primary function is to care for patients with
a psychiatric disorder, mental health problem, or behavioural issues. A
psychiatrist nurse’s responsibility is similar to that of a psychiatrist which
includes diagnoses, treatment of the patient and prescribing drugs and
medicines.
Private clinics: When working in private practice, they have the authority of
their state boards of nursing to evaluate, diagnose, and treat their patients,
including prescription medication. Psychiatric nurse practitioners who open
their own private clinics contribute to the mental health professional shortage.
Rehabilitation centres: Personal care, activities of daily living, short- and
long-term health, social and independence difficulties, emotional support, and
educating the patient and family are all part of the responsibilities of
rehabilitation psychiatric nurses.
Community Health Centre: The nurse continues to play an essential role in
community-based care. They concentrate on the rehabilitation of long-term
mentally ill people and offer individual support in daily life. They also offer
assistance to the patient's families.
Military clinics: They help provide comprehensive mental health care for
Soldiers, their families, and military retirees as Psychiatric/Behavioral Health
Nurses. They also look after folks who are in emotional turmoil.
Top Careers in Psychiatric Nursing
Individuals who have completed psychiatric and mental health nursing courses
have several job opportunities in India and abroad. This course study can lead to
employment in medical institutes, hospitals, or as a personal psychologist.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurses: These nurses provide support and
assistance to those suffering from a variety of conditions, ranging from
anxiety and depression to Alzheimer's and dementia, in order to keep patients
from acquiring serious mental illnesses.
Nurse Supervisor: A Nurse Supervisor attends to the needs of a patient and
provides comprehensive care, from scheduling and assigning nurses and
workers to ensure that their work schedules are adhered to.
Psychologist: A Psychologist evaluates the needs of the patient and changes
treatment and diagnosis to match those needs. They study the patient's
behaviour patterns and tailor their treatment to their needs.
Nurse educator: A nurse educator is a professor who teaches in both
academic and medical settings. As needed, they are frequently involved in the
conception and implementation of new curricular programmes and courses.
Staff Nurse: A registered nurse who assists and provides quality care to
company employees, as well as residents and patients in hospitals, is known
as a Staff Nurse. They are usually in charge of patient assessment,
monitoring, and aid during recovery.
Principles of Mental Health Nursing:
The principles of mental health nursing are the foundational beliefs and values
that guide the practice of mental health nursing. These principles help to ensure
that individuals with mental health conditions receive high-quality, person-
centered care. The following are some of the key principles of mental health
nursing:
Person-centered care: Mental health nurses aim to provide care that is tailored
to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each patient.
Respect for patient autonomy: Mental health nurses respect the autonomy of
their patients, and work to empower them to make informed decisions about
their care.
Therapeutic relationship: Mental health nurses aim to establish a therapeutic
relationship with their patients, based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
Collaboration and interdisciplinary care: Mental health nurses collaborate
with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychologists, and
social workers, to provide comprehensive and integrated care.
Cultural competence: Mental health nurses are culturally sensitive and
knowledgeable about the cultural backgrounds and beliefs of their patients, and
strive to provide culturally appropriate care.
Evidence-based practice: Mental health nurses use current, evidence-based
practices to inform their care and continuously update their knowledge and
skills.
Confidentiality: Mental health nurses respect the privacy of their patients and
maintain confidentiality unless disclosure is required by law or is necessary to
prevent harm.
Recovery-oriented care: Mental health nurses aim to support their patients in
their recovery journeys and help them to achieve their personal goals and
aspirations.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Dr. Kapoor Bimla, Text book of Psychiatric nursing, Edition-1st, Page no. - 334-341.
2. Beck M. C. Rawtins P. R. & et al, Mental Health – Psychiatric Nursing. The C.V.
Mosby Co., Ltd.
3. Toronto.
4. Coleman C. J, Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life. P. B. Tara and Sons Co. Pvt
Ltd
5. Kaplan H. Saddock B, Synopsis of Psychiatry, William sand Wilkins, Bathmov.
6. Stuart W. G. Sundeen J. S, Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing, Mosby
Year Book, London.
7. Taylor C.M., Essentials of Psychiatric Nursing, CV Mosby Co., London
