Thwala Ntuthuko R, Mokoena-de Beer Andile G
Department of Nursing Science, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.
Health SA. 2023 Aug 29;28:2313. doi: 10.4102/hsag.v28i0.2313. eCollection 2023.
Male psychiatric nurses are pivotal in providing treatment, care and rehabilitation to state patients admitted to forensic units. The nature of patients admitted in forensic units increase the likelihood violence for male psychiatric nurses. Substantial evidence suggests that a high incidence of violence in such units is linked to lack of security personnel amongst other factors, adding to the strain. Fewer studies adequately explored the psychological impact thereof specifically on male psychiatric nurses.
To explore the psychological impact of violence on male nurses working in forensic units in Gauteng, South Africa, and the strategies used to deal with the impact of exposure to violence.
The study was conducted at a mental health institution in the west of Tshwane Gauteng, South Africa.
An exploratory, qualitative research design was used. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from 11 male psychiatric nurses. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Two main overarching themes emerged: (1) Traumatic experience and (2) Survival strategies to deal with the experience. The results suggest that exposure to violence has a debilitating psychological effect on male nurses, prompting them to utilise various ways to cope with the experiences. Psychological support and skills development could benefit male psychiatric nurses to manage the impact of violence adequately.
Further research is recommended to explore the strategies to support male psychiatric nurses working in forensic units.
The study findings may be used to improve the psychological well-being of male psychiatric nurses working in forensic units in South Africa.
男性精神科护士在为被收治到法医精神病科的国家患者提供治疗、护理和康复服务方面发挥着关键作用。法医精神病科收治患者的性质增加了男性精神科护士遭受暴力的可能性。大量证据表明，此类科室暴力事件高发与缺乏安保人员等因素有关，这加剧了压力。较少有研究充分探讨其对男性精神科护士的心理影响。
探讨暴力对南非豪登省法医精神病科工作的男性护士的心理影响，以及他们用来应对暴力影响的策略。
该研究在南非豪登省茨瓦内西部的一家心理健康机构进行。
采用探索性定性研究设计。通过深入访谈从11名男性精神科护士收集数据。使用主题分析法对数据进行分析。
出现了两个主要的总体主题：（1）创伤经历和（2）应对经历的生存策略。结果表明，遭受暴力对男性护士有削弱心理的影响，促使他们采用各种方式来应对这些经历。心理支持和技能发展可能有助于男性精神科护士充分应对暴力的影响。
建议进一步研究以探索支持在法医精神病科工作的男性精神科护士的策略。
该研究结果可用于改善南非法医精神病科工作的男性精神科护士的心理健康。
