Assignment Task

Background Information

Conflict and containment can place both consumers and staff at risk of harm. The new Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022) recognises the benefit of Voluntary treatment and the lack of therapeutic benefit of seclusion and restraint in mental health care provision. The Recovery Framework also advocates for patients to set their own care priorities and to live a meaningful life of their choice.

Task

The aim of this assessment is to examine literature on ways to communicate with both consumers and colleagues. It also aims to look at the Recovery Framework and how it can reduce conflict and restrictive practices. The essay also aims to examine the use of self as a therapeutic tool when working with consumers living with a mental illness.

Scenarios: inpatient

In a bustling inpatient mental health ward in Victoria, Nurse Sarah finds herself faced with a challenging situation. One of the consumers, David, is exhibiting signs of agitation and distress. David, who has a history of bipolar disorder, is pacing back and forth in his room, muttering to himself, and refusing to engage with staff. He is observed to be hitting himself in his head with his hands.

Details of the Task/Instructions

Students are to pick one of the two scenarios depending on their current workplace (inpatient or community) and write a word essay discussing contemporary mental health nursing issues.

1. Clearly detail which scenario you are using in your essay and discuss the principles of the MHWA applicable to the scenario.

2. Using the Recovery Framework as your base, discuss appropriate communication strategies you would use with the consumer in your chosen scenario.

3. Explain how professional communication would be utilized in your scenario to work with your nurse in charge, other disciplines, and carers (both verbal and written). How would this assist group functioning and group dynamics?

4. Finally, review how vicarious trauma and burnout experienced by nurses impacts care provided to consumers and reflect on the theory behind nursing supervision and how it could assist a nurse in your chosen scenario.