Stress and coping in forensic community mental health nurses: Demographic information and qualitative findings

Abstract

Occupational stress and burnout in nurses is now well documented. Community mental health nursing has been shown to be particularly stressful. The field of forensic psychiatry has in recent years seen the emergence of the role of the forensic community mental health nurse (FCMHN). There is little documented evidence about these nurses or their experience and perceptions of the work they do. This study forms part of a larger study investigating the levels and sources of stress and burnout among this group of nurses. Preliminary findings suggest that, as a group, FCMHNs are an experienced group of nurses with an average 15 years or more in psychiatric nursing. They tend to occupy higher grades and are almost equally made up of men (53.8%) and women (46.2%). The majority are happy with life in general, do not use maladaptive coping strategies, have good job security (67.1%), feel supported by their manager (87.2%) and carry an average caseload of 13.15 patients. Caseload issues and organisational issues were reported as the most stressful elements of work. Peer support and good supervision were the main coping strategies reported. Consideration for training and reducing the isolation of FCMHNs as they expand into new areas with increased risk of role ambiguity is indicated.