Psychiatric nursing: a view from within

There are several recurrent themes that reflect the concerns of nurses who seek entry into graduate programs in psychiatric nursing. Four of the themes that will be presented are an emphasis on mental health, a desire to seek varied points to entry into health care, increased interaction with other health workers and participation in social change. The themes are interrelated and reflect a view of nursing responsibilities and an awareness of the needs for a comprehensive approach to health care. These views are typical of a range of concerns within the nursing profession. Although nursing comprises the largest number of prepared health care workers, nursing is a marginal group within the system. There is considerable discussion of a need for revision of health care systems and of need to utilize manpower resources most effectively. System change is a difficult process and one can only speculate about the outcomes. It is difficult to predict whether the beliefs and values of nurses and nursing a marginal group, can be shared within the health care system.