How do nurses cope when values and practice conflict?

Stacey, Gemma

Authors Gemma Stacey is a lecturer in mental health; Kirsty Johnston is a research associate; Theo Stickley is associate professor, all at division of nursing, University of Nottingham; Bob Diamond is a clinical psychologist, Nottinghamshire Mental Health Trust.

Nursing Times 107(5):p 20, February 8, 2011.

Abstract

This study reveals the effect of professional socialisation on mental health nurses

In this article…

Development of professional ideals in mental health nurses

The effect of conflict between ideals and organisational constraints

Strategies for responding to these contlicts

Background

A lack of opportunity to express values in nursing practice and a conflict of ideals with organisational constraints are associated with low job satisfaction and high attrition rates.

Aim

To explore the stories of mental health nurses to find how values influence their experience of nursing practice.

Method

Twelve participants, who had between six months', and three years' experience of post-registration practice, were interviewed.

Results

Nurses' values were often established before they started training. Participants described values that were consistent with a commitment to personcentred care and professional and ethical principles expected by governing bodies.

Conclusion

Mental health nurses are aware of the dissonance that arises when there is a conflict between their values and their practice. They respond to this in a variety of ways, notably through acceptance, rejection or innovation.