Challenges faced by mental health nurse specialists in the North West province

Abstract

This study sought to explore and describe the challenges faced by mental health nurse specialists in order to make recommendations in support of this population in the North West province. A qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was used to achieve the main of the study. Population for the study included all mental health nurse specialists working in public mental health care institutions in the North West province. A non-probability expert sampling technique was used to identify mental health nurse specialists for voluntary participation. Sample size was determined by data saturation that was reached after interviewing seven mental health nurse specialists working in the North West province. Data was analysed independently by both the researcher and the co-coder. Credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability were observed to ensure trustworthiness. Three themes emerged from the study, namely challenges affecting mental health nurses directly, challenges influenced by government as well as suggestions to support of mental health nurse specialists. Recommendations were derived and proffered to support mental health nurse specialists in the North West province.