Murphy, N 2006, An investigation into whether the level of experience affects the way that CMHNs assess the level of risk from clients , MSc By research thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University.

Preview

PDF Download (473kB) | Preview

Abstract

This was a small scale study that focussed on whether the level of experience affected the way that Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHN) assessed the risk of violence from their clients. Ethical approval was gained and 22 participants took part in the study. A mixed method approach was adopted utilising a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase of data collection. Each were separately analysed and the results were, that regardless of level of experience, the CMHNs believed that they were the best at assessing risks compared to all other Multidisciplinary Team members. Further, the more experienced the staff member the more control they tried to impart on the perceived risk situation, whereas the less experienced members of staff tended to withdraw and allow other members of staff to deal with the situation. Finally it was found that although training was found to be important in helping the staff to identify and manage risks; observation of live situations that were well managed was more influential in their interpretation of how they should react. The more experienced staff utilising more ‘life skills’ experience than the less experienced. These finding will have an impact on training and on the future recruitment of staff to community positions.

Actions (login required)