Validation of cues for competencies of beginning level mental health nurses: an exploratory study in South Australian mental health agencies.

Abstract

This paper outlines competency statements and their validation in mental health nursing. It describes: the background to the study, developments in perspectives on professional competency, the research process, the results, and issues that arose out of the research. The authors suggest that such research allows for the exploration of both nursing practice and the context in which psychiatric/mental health nursing is practised. This research has highlighted the complexity of mental health nursing practice in Australia, and an area of research that needs further development.