Under Prepared for Practice: A Qualitative Study of Mental Health Nurse Undergraduate Workforce Preparation in
John Hurley1, Richard Lakeman1, Lorna Moxham2
1Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia.
Abstract:
Internationally there are both current and looming mental health workforce shortages. Mental health nurses who have received specialist education are a vital component to respond to these challenges.
Aim:
This qualitative study aimed to better understand the efficacy and product quality of mental health nurse workforce preparation through pre-registration nurse education in Australia.
Method:
To meet this aim 19 educators representing 13 different universities were qualitatively interviewed.
Results:
Thematic analysis found four themes (1) Graduates are under-prepared for safe mental health nurse practice; (2) Essential mental health nurse capabilities are missing in graduates; (3) Barriers to graduate preparation, and (4) Negative impacts of inadequate graduate preparation.
Discussion:
Findings from this study suggest future workforce shortages would be best addressed through direct undergraduate entry for mental health nursing Implications for Practice: All nurse undergraduate training needs significantly enhanced mental health theory and placement within the course.
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