Nurses’ coping mechanisms in a mental health establishment

Abstract

This study notes that mental healthcare establishments are perceived as extremely stressful environments to work in when compared to general hospitals. It was therefore the aim of this study to explore and describe nurses’ coping mechanisms in a mental health establishment in the NWP of SA so as to improve the methods of how they manage stressful situations in their care for mental health care users. A qualitative-explorative-descriptive and contextual research design was followed in order to address the researcher’s concern. The target population included all categories of nurses who are caring for mental healthcare users in a mental health establishment in the North West Province. Participants were selected purposively based on a set selection criteria. The size of the sample was determined by data saturation which was reached after interviewing ten nurses. Information obtained was transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability techniques. The findings of the study revealed four main themes, namely psychosocial support, coaching and mentoring, stakeholder support as well as suggestions for improving nurses’ coping mechanisms. From the findings of the study, recommendations were made for nursing practice, education and research.