The role of the professional nurse in the mental health service
Liffredo, C.; Callegaro, D.; Gallino, G.; Liffredo, F.
Minerva Psichiatrica 34(2): 117-120
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0374-9320 PMID: 8412576 Document Number: 421646
The role of the nursing staff (which was then not professionally trained) in psychiatric institutes was limited to ensuring that the rules of the institute were respected. After the responsibility for providing assistance had been transferred to Local Psychiatric Services, the role of the professional nurse was radically changed both as a result of the changes in type of patient and the new manner of caring for patients, above all the operational methods used stress the importance of treatment in relations with the patient. The paper analyses the various tasks of the psychiatric nurse which include the initial reception given to the patient, the administration of drugs and evaluation of their effects, the establishment of educational relations with the patient and management of rehabilitation programmes. Whereas the doctor plays a father-role towards the patient due to the authority he possesses, the nurse may be characterised by maternal and caring functions. Given that the lack of theoretical instruments, as possessed by psychiatrists and psychologists, and prolonged contact with patient may expose nursing staff to the risk of damaging their own mental health, it is important to give them specific professional training which will help them handle their relations with psychotic patients.