Nurses' perceptions of their role and skills in a medium secure unit

This descriptive study investigated the perceptions - in relation to their own role and skills - of 25 qualified nurses who work in a medium secure unit. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed by thematic content analysis. The findings suggest that nurses in this environment had a broad role and possessed a range of skills and personal qualities. Similarities with colleagues in generic psychiatric settings were identified, but further specialist skills and knowledge were perceived to be required within the medium secure environment. Preregistration training was seen not to prepare nurses for the secure environment; after registration, there was a perceived lack of structure. Various factors were believed to affect the nursing role, which was also perceived as being complementary to that of other disciplines. Nurses were viewed as making a unique contribution to the multidisciplinary team. The provision of a therapeutic and secure environment was perceived to present a challenge.