Learning about violence: Experiences and views of psychiatric nursing students

Abstract

Undertaken in response to concerns about the adequacy of pre-registration education in relation to the prevention and management of violence, this study entailed interviews with a small group of students pursuing traditional routes to the mental health nursing qualification. While for most students violence had not been a large issue during the course, specific incidents were nonetheless remembered with great clarity. Learning opportunities included: teaching and discussion with education and service staff, experience of caring for patients, both on their own and in conjunction with qualified staff, and observation. Most students felt the course had been an adequate preparation in understanding the causes of violence and in learning how to prevent its occurrence, but the majority did not feel adequately prepared to manage violent incidents. Students' recommendations for changes to the course included an increased focus on the subject, greater liaison between education and service staff about their respective approaches to the subject, and a period of experience in a secure unit.