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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Nurses often work in the community with adolescents who self-harm. There is a lack of qualitative research exploring nurses' experiences of working with adolescents who self-harm.
AIM: This study aimed to gain an understanding of community nurses' experiences of working with adolescents who self-harm.
METHOD: Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with registered nurses working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the United Kingdom (UK).
RESULTS: Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes were identified, each consisting of two subordinate themes: personal and professional conflicts, describing interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts the nurses experienced working with adolescents who self-harm and the systems around them, and personal and professional development, outlining processes of management of conflicts and development.
DISCUSSION: Nurses feel conflicted about working with adolescents who self-harm within the context of working with systems surrounding the adolescent. They report positive experiences, which they use to reframe their experiences and feelings of shame as a result of their emotional responses, self-care behaviours and personal and professional boundaries. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses working with adolescents who self-harm would benefit from training, reflective practice and self-care. CAMHS managers should encourage and invest in these areas.
Language: en |