Advanced Clinicians'' Views of the Adolescent Mental Health Nurse

Current perceptions about nurses'' roles and responsibilities are examined in this study, specifically relating to adolescent inpatient mental health nurses (MHNs). Psychiatrists and psychiatric advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) were contacted to request participation in an anonymous survey. This research was conducted to examine nursing stereotypes that exist within the health care profession itself, as compared to pre-existing stereotypes displayed by the media. Analysis of survey responses revealed four overarching themes. First, MHNs are a critical component of the health care team, emerging as rigorous, independent leaders, although still classified as female and sociable. Second, MHNs complete a wide range of daily activities, many of which go unnoticed by observers, often resulting in mixed feelings regarding whether MHNs are given the respect and recognition deserved. Third, MHNs treat each patient as a person with unique thoughts, feelings, and physical make-up. Fourth, MHNs act as a coordinator of care between various health professionals to provide the patient with a holistic approach to healing. This work explores communication between health care members.