Challenges in Education and Practice of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing in Rivers State: An Analytical View

Abstract

Mental health nursing is a specialized area in nursing that is involved in the promotion and sustenance of good mental health and the prevention of mental illness in mentally healthy clients. On the other hand, Psychiatric nursing is a specialized area in nursing practice involved in the management of mental illness in clients having mental health challenges. This study sought to analyze the challenges in the education and training of mental health and psychiatric nursing in Rivers State. Four objectives guided the study, they are: to discuss Psychiatric Nursing Education and the importance of its place in this speciality; to examine the challenges being faced by Psychiatric Nursing Education in Rivers State; to discuss the challenges of the practice, highlighting the factors involved, and to discuss the prospects and the way forward for both the education and training of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing in Rivers State. Historical analyses, interviews, and observations were used to collect qualitative data. Some challenges in the education and practice of mental health / psychiatric nursing were identified. Some recommendations on ways and means of mitigating the problems were also proffered.