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Current research views hope as a process that plays a positive role in the recovery of individuals with mental health problems. However, little attention has been given to the role of hope in the lives of their families. We aimed to address that gap. We deployed a qualitative descriptive design and carried out individual interviews with nine family members who supported a relative with mental health problems. A cross‐comparison of the data generated three major themes: understandings of hope; factors that diminish hope and factors that nurture hope. The participants viewed hope as a positive and productive feeling or attitude that was life‐affirming, and empowering. They also associated it with behaviours and dispositions such as attentiveness and empathy and the possibility of a return to a more stable and 'normal' life. The participants experienced hope as initially eroded when their relative was first diagnosed and institutionalized. Hope was further diminished due to the poor communication practices of some mental health professionals and the stress of the caring role itself. On the other hand, hope was nurtured through the support of other family members, friends, neighbours and peers. Acquiring knowledge and understanding about the relative's state of mental health nurtured hope and enabled the participants to have a more meaningful role in their recovery process. Practices of self‐care such as independent activities and counselling also strengthened hope and some mental health professionals played a positive role in supporting these. Most striking about the reports of many of the participants was their assertion of their abiding love for their relative. Their account of their ability to see beyond the illness of their relative was an insight that we did not find in other accounts of the experiences of family members. We highlight the need for family members to have timely access to relevant information about their relatives' illness. We conclude that hope is relational at its core because of the interplay of intrapersonal, interpersonal and social factors that diminish or nurture it over time. Specifically, we propose that friends, neighbours and peer support groups as key actors in nurturing the hope of both family members and their relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Definitional perspectives and operational approaches to the concept of resilience vary within the literature; however, little is known of women's opinions on current resilience research, or the philosophical and methodological directions women believe such research should take. This research explored women's perspectives on resilience research in the perinatal period and early motherhood and sought their opinions on the ways in which they believe research should be advanced. Methods: Following ethical approval, online interviews were conducted with 14 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse women who were mothers. Findings from a concept analysis on resilience in pregnancy and early motherhood, conducted by the authors, were shared with women before and during the interview. Interviews were organised in sections corresponding to the findings within the concept analysis' four philosophical (Epistemology, Linguistic, Logic, Pragmatic) principles and thematically analysed. Results: Epistemology—Women endorsed a dynamic process definition, and viewed resilience as influenced by multilevel, multisystemic processes. Linguistic—Women viewed words such as 'adaptation' and 'adjustment' as being more active and empowering than the term 'coping' in relation to motherhood. Logic—Women were resistant to the predominant operational conceptualisation of resilience as illness absence. Pragmatic—Women were wary of resilience research being used to reduce mental health support for other mothers and families. Conclusions: Women provided constructive criticisms on the current state of resilience literature. Women suggested actionable ways in which research may be developed to better align with the epistemological and ethical approaches women want to see in resilience and maternal mental health research. Patient or Public Contribution: Women who are mothers and participants in health research were consulted on their views of trends in mental health and resilience research in motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing homes for older adults have been disproportionately affected by the Covid‐19 pandemic with increased mortality of residents and staff distress. Objective: To quantify the mental health of nursing home staff during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland. Design/Methods: Cross‐sectional anonymous study of Republic of Ireland nursing home staff (n = 390) during the third wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Online survey collecting demographic information, Covid‐19 exposure history and mental health measures. Results: There were significant differences between nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA) and non‐clinical staff history in age, ethnicity, years' experience, history of Covid‐19 infection and contact with Covid‐19 positive acquaintances. Moderate–severe post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.2%–50.1%) of all staff. A World Health Organisation‐5 (WHO‐5) wellbeing index score ≤32, indicating low mood, was reported by 38.7% (95% CI, 33.9%–43.5%) of staff; significantly more nurses reported low mood. Suicidal ideation and suicide planning were reported, respectively, by 13.8% (95% CI, 10.4%–17.3%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.4%–12.1%) of participants with no between‐group differences. HCAs reported a significantly higher degree of moral injury than non‐clinical staff. Nurses were more likely to use approach coping styles than non‐clinical staff. Work ability was insufficient in 24.6% (95% CI 20.3%–28.9%) of staff. Conclusion: Nursing home staff report high levels of post‐traumatic stress, mood disturbance and moral injury during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Differences in degree of moral injury, wellbeing and coping styles were found between staff groups, which need to be incorporated into planning supports for this neglected workforce. Key points: There are high prevalences of post‐traumatic stress symptoms and low mood and a high degree of moral injury in Irish nursing home staff during the Covid‐19 pandemicHigh prevalences of suicidal ideation (13.8%) and planning (9.2%) were reported during the previous weekSignificantly, more nurses than other staff groups reported poor wellbeing but nurses were more likely to use adaptive coping styles than non‐clinical staffHealthcare assistants reported significantly higher levels of moral injury than non‐clinical staff [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irish Travellers are a minority ethnic group within the Irish state with a distinct culture and set of traditions. Travellers experience mental health inequalities, high rates of mental ill health, and structural and individual barriers to mental health supports. A Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse (TMHLN) was introduced in a healthcare region in Ireland to provide greater mental health‐related support to Travellers. This paper presents a description of the TMHLN role following a multi‐stakeholder evaluation. The research design was descriptive qualitative and the findings are reported using COREQ criteria. Thirty‐four key stakeholders were interviewed individually or as part of focus groups. Thematic analysis generated two broad themes: the role context, and the specific activities of the role. Mental health nursing experience and understanding of local issues and services were key, as was use of language, building trusting relations, creating the metaphorical, and having the physical, space for working. Specific activities involved in‐reach and outreach work, including one‐to‐one mental health support provision, delivery of education/training sessions to Travellers and service providers, (re)establishing links to specialist services, integrated and interagency working, and promoting cultural competency. The findings set out a role with a greater emphasis on the use of recovery technologies, having an emphasis on psychosocial interventions and self‐care, and less focus on biomedical technologies, signs and symptoms, and clinical outcomes. This study contributes to knowledge on the role of a MHLN as this relates to working with marginalized minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many mental health service users decide to discontinue their psychotropic medication at some stage in the treatment process; however, few studies have captured these experiences. This study aimed to explore people's experiences of coming off medication. A qualitative descriptive design and individual interviews with 23 people who experienced coming off medication were employed. COREQ checklist was used. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive approaches and six major themes were developed. Findings suggest that while medication was useful for many in the short‐term, the adverse effects had significant impact and contributed to the decision to come off medication. Participants also reported being driven by a questioning of the biomedical model of treatment and the belief that there were other strategies to manage their distress. Mixed experiences of support from healthcare professionals for the medication cessation process were reported. The discontinuation process was often difficult resulting in changes in mood and behaviour which for many culminated in relapse of distress, rehospitalization and return to medication. To support the process of coming off and staying off medication, participants identified a range of useful strategies but particularly highlighted the importance of peer support. Findings from this study demonstrate the importance of mental health nurses having a collaborative discussion with service users which may support safer decision‐making and lessen the risk of people discontinuing medication abruptly. Finding also indicates a need for robust studies that develop and test interventions to support people who wish to discontinue psychotropic medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the barriers to accessing mental health services in the Republic of Ireland from the perspectives of young LGBT + people aged 14–25. Background: Significant mental health disparities exist between LGBT + young people and their cisgender and heterosexual peers, yet they do not have equitable access to mental health services. Limited research has explored barriers, which exist for LGBTI + young people in accessing services, particularly from their perspectives. Method: An anonymous online survey design, consisting of closed and open questions, was used. The study was advertised through local and national organisations and media. 1,064 LGBT + participants aged 14–25 opted to complete the survey. Results: Most participants reported several barriers to them accessing mental health services that were interlinked across three levels: individual; sociocultural; and mental health system. Conclusion: Cultural competency training for practitioners, which address issues and concerns pertinent to LGBT + young people, is key to addressing many of the barriers identified. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers can use the findings to advocate for practice and organisational change within their services to ensure that care and support is responsive and sensitive to the particular needs of LGBT + young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim(s): To report review findings into interventions used to educate the health and social care workforce on the experiences and needs of LGBT+ older adults. Background: Research demonstrates that inequalities in outcomes on health and social well‐being for LGBT+ older adults are perpetuated by the cumulative disadvantages from discrimination and social exclusion throughout the life course and a lack of culturally competent workforce. Methods: A systematic search of peer‐reviewed papers published before February 2020 was conducted in electronic databases. The search resulted in a screening of 2,509 papers with nine matching the inclusion criteria, which were rated using the MERSQI quality measure. Results: Studies demonstrated some positive outcomes of interventions, especially an increase in knowledge, but less so in skills and attitudes. Discussion: More robust designs such as randomized controlled trials, the use of standardized measures and a focus more on the longitudinal impact of educational interventions could improve the quality of study designs. Conclusion(s): Diversification of intervention content and patient and public involvement in the design, delivery and evaluation of educational interventions could improve efforts and have a more sustained impact on LGBT+ ageing inequalities. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers have important roles in supporting staff education and ensuring LGBT+ inclusive practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite health policy and research increasingly advocating for recovery‐enabling principles to be better integrated into mental health services, finding solutions to enhance the translation of recovery policy into practice remains a challenge. This study sought to understand whether a co‐facilitated group education intervention for service users and family members reached beyond the intervention and impacted the everyday recovery promoting beliefs and practices of the practitioners involved and the wider organization. The study employed a qualitative design involving semi‐structured interviews with a purposively selected sample of 28 participants (mental health nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team) who were involved in delivering the intervention. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, with the assistance of NVivo. Participants reported that not only did involvement with the programmes help them reconnect with the contextual realities of service user and family members lived experience, but it enabled them to move beyond traditional power relationships and pathologizing discourses. Having engaged with and experienced the feasibility and positive impact of the co‐facilitation process practitioners' self‐efficacy around partnership working and co‐production was enhanced. In addition, those involved demonstrated a willingness to challenge paternalistic practices and advocate for the perspectives of service users and families to be further embedded within the organizational infrastructure and operational spaces. Providing mental health practitioners with real‐life examples of partnership working and peer support in action within a co‐facilitated psychoeducation context has potential to be a forum for promoting second‐order change around recovery‐oriented practice within mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To generate evidence‐based knowledge about the strategies that adult people with epilepsy (PWEs) use in the process of telling others about their epilepsy. Methods: In‐depth, one‐to‐one interviews explored PWEs' first‐hand experiences of self‐disclosure (or not), and grounded theory methods of inductive‐deductive analysis were used to identify strategies used in disclosing. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded, and independently recoded by two researchers using a coding framework specifically developed in this study. To account for maximum variation, PWEs (aged 18+ years) with different life experiences and situations relating to (1) gender, (2) age, (3) employment status, (4) personal relationships, (5) family relationship, (6) support group involvement, and (7) seizure frequency were included. Given the many variables and psychosocial issues associated with epilepsy, demographic details and validated measures including Quality of Life in Epilepsy‐10‐P, Coping Inventory of Stressful Situations‐Adult, and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 were used to describe the characteristics of participants and to contextualize the results. Results: Forty‐nine adults with epilepsy participated. Data analysis revealed six interrelated categories (with subcategories) of the strategies that PWEs reported using in the process of disclosure: (1) concerns about disclosing; (2) weighing up who and when to tell; (3) opportunities for telling; (4) moment of disclosure—how to construct the message; (5) tailoring the message to audience needs—altering the message when telling family members, partner, friends, children, or employer and workplace colleagues; and (6) managing reactions by making it ordinary. Significance: People with epilepsy use a range of different strategies during the process of disclosing their epilepsy. These strategies were used to inform the development of the How2tell multimedia self‐management resource for PWEs on self‐disclosure in everyday social and life situations. How2tell is designed to benefit PWEs by empowering them with practical information about the process of telling another person, "I have epilepsy." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe how epilepsy specialist nurses in Ireland enact the evidence‐based practice dimension of their role. Background: The importance of epilepsy specialist nurses (ESNs) delivering evidence‐based care to people experiencing epilepsy is unquestionable, yet research into this aspect of the role is relatively sparse. Methods: A qualitative design was used, involving 12 epilepsy specialist nurses working in five units in Ireland, 24 multidisciplinary team members working with them and 35 people with epilepsy and their family members. Data were collected using individual and focus group interviews, observation and documentary analysis. Results: These ESNs were active in accumulating, translating, applying, generating and disseminating evidence. All were actively involved in, or leading audit and service evaluations, and used findings to improve practice. Their research activity mainly consisted of small‐scale unfunded research projects. Conclusions: These ESNs acted as opinion leaders and role models in relation to evidence‐based practice, including the generation of new knowledge through audit and research. Implications for Nursing Management: Organisations and managers need to support ESNs by ensuring that they have the necessary resources and competencies to accumulate, translate, apply, generate and disseminate relevant evidence. Future research should explore the impact of ESNs' evidence‐based practice on patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rapid tranquillization is a pharmacological intervention sometimes employed in mental health care for the management of acute behavioural disturbance. It is a form of restrictive practice, which, along with seclusion and restraint, is a conventional and controversial intervention in the therapeutic management of risk in mental health settings. This study surveyed mental health nurses practice in rapid tranquillization. A self‐report questionnaire was utilized which addressed aspects such as definitions of rapid tranquillization, presence of rapid tranquillization policy, types of incidents where it is used and postintervention monitoring. The results demonstrate that rapid tranquillization is an intervention used in the management of acute behavioural disturbance in various mental health settings in Ireland. Respondents showed a basic understanding of rapid tranquillization as an intervention; however, some areas reported not having a specific rapid tranquillization policy. There was some evidence of a variation in postrapid tranquillization monitoring of psychiatric/mental health and physical health. Service user debriefing following rapid tranquillization was reported to be common; however, the content of this was not elaborated on. In the light of variations in practice, specific training and the development of rapid tranquillization policies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Health policy is increasingly advocating for involvement of service users and family members in service development. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a 4‐day education programme in co‐facilitation skills on clinician and peer (service users and family members) knowledge, confidence, and subsequent experience as co‐facilitators. The programme was designed to train peers and clinicians as co‐facilitators on a clinician and peer‐led information programme for people experiencing mental health problems. The study employed a mixed‐methods design involving a pre–post survey with 128 participants, and follow‐up qualitative interviews with a sample of 17 participants. To examine changes in levels of knowledge and confidence in facilitating from time 1 (T1) to time 2 (T2), paired sample t‐tests were conducted, and thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews. The programme had a statistically‐significant positive impact on participants’ knowledge, confidence, and skills, with no significant difference between the facilitator groups (i.e. service user, family member, and clinician) in terms of their improvement at the end of the training, indicating that all groups benefited equally from the training. A majority of participants reported a high level of preparedness as co‐facilitators and an open and respectful approach towards each other's expertise, and many continued to gain skills and develop their confidence as they co‐facilitated the 8‐week EOLAS programme (‘eolas’ is the Irish word for knowledge). The findings also provide evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of the programme, and appears to be the first detailed study reported on a programme of this nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mental health promotion remains an important component of mental health nursing practice. Supporting wellness at both the individual and societal levels has been identified as one of the key tenets of mental health promotion. However, the prevailing biomedical paradigm of mental health education and practice has meant that many nurses have not been equipped to incorporate a wellness perspective into their mental health practice. In the present study, we report on an exploratory study which details the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by master‐level mental health nurses to practice within a wellness paradigm from the perspective of three groups of key stakeholders: (i) service users and family members (n = 23); (ii) experienced mental health nurses (n = 49); and (iii) master‐level mental health nursing students (n = 37). The findings, which were reported from individual and focus group interviews across five European countries, suggested a need to reorientate mental health nursing education to include a focus on wellness and resilience to equip mental health nurses with the skills to work within a strengths‐based, rather than a deficits‐based, model of mental health practice. Key challenges to working within a wellness paradigm were identified as the prevailing dominance of the biomedical model of cause and treatment of mental health problems, which focusses on symptoms, rather than the holistic functioning of the individual, and positions the person as passive in the nurse–service user relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is international interest in, and continued concern about, the potential long-term impact of involuntary admission to psychiatric institutions, and the effect this coercive action has on a person's well-being and human rights. Involuntary detention in hospital remains a controversial process that involves stakeholders with competing concerns and who often describe negative experiences of the process, which can have long-lasting effects on the therapeutic relationship with service users. The aim of the present study was to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders involved in the involuntary admission and detention of people under the Mental Health Act 2001 in Ireland. Focus groups were used to collect data. Stakeholders interviewed were service users, relatives, general practitioners, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, solicitors, tribunal members, and police. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach. Three key categories emerged: (i) getting help; (ii) detention under the Act; and (iii) experiences of the tribunal process. This research highlights gaps in information and uncertainty about the involuntary admission process for stakeholders, but particularly for service users who are most affected by inadequate processes and supports. Mental health law has traditionally focussed on narrower areas of detention and treatment, but human rights law requires a greater refocussing on supporting service users to ensure a truly voluntary approach to care. The recent human rights treaty, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is to guarantee a broad range of fundamental rights, such as liberty and integrity, which can be affected by coercive processes of involuntary admission and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the articulated need for policies and processes to guide risk assessment and safety planning, limited guidance exists on the processes or procedures to be used to develop such policies, and there is no body of research that examines the quality or content of the risk-management policies developed. The aim of the present study was to analyse the policies of risk and safety management used to guide mental health nursing practice in Ireland. A documentary analysis was performed on 123 documents received from 22 of the 23 directors of nursing contacted. Findings from the analysis revealed a wide variation in how risk, risk assessment, and risk management were defined. Emphasis within the risk documentation submitted was on risk related to self and others, with minimal attention paid to other types of risks. In addition, there was limited evidence of recovery-focused approaches to positive risk taking that involved service users and their families within the risk-related documentation. Many of the risk-assessment tools had not been validated, and lacked consistency or guidance in relation to how they were to be used or applied. The tick-box approach and absence of space for commentary within documentation have the potential to impact severely on the quality of information collected and documented, and subsequent clinical decision-making. Managers, and those tasked with ensuring safety and quality, need to ensure that policies and processes are, where possible, informed by best evidence and are in line with national mental health policy on recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment and safety planning are considered a cornerstone of mental health practice, yet limited research exists into how mental health nurses conceptualize 'risk' and how they engage with risk assessment and safety planning. The aim of the present study was to explore mental health nurses' practices and confidence in risk assessment and safety planning. A self-completed survey was administered to 381 mental health nurses in Ireland. The findings indicate that nurses focus on risk to self and risk to others, with the risk of suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, and violence being most frequently assessed. Risk from others and 'iatrogenic' risk were less frequently considered. Overall, there was limited evidence of recovery-oriented practice in relation to risk. The results demonstrate a lack of meaningful engagement with respect to collaborative safety planning, the identification and inclusion of protective factors, and the inclusion of positive risk-taking opportunities. In addition, respondents report a lack of confidence working with positive risk taking and involving family/carers in the risk-assessment and safety-planning process. Gaps in knowledge about risk-assessment and safety-planning practice, which could be addressed through education, are identified, as are the implications of the findings for practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT) persons have not been explored to any degree within Ireland. Aims and objectives The aim of this paper, which is part of a larger study, is to detail older LGBT persons' usage, experiences and concerns with accessing healthcare services, disclosing their LGBT identity to professionals, preferences for care and their suggestions for improvement in services, including nursing services. Design A mixed methods research design combining quantitative survey and qualitative interview approaches of equal significance was used. Methods 144 respondents completed an 84-item questionnaire concerning their use of healthcare services, experiences and needs. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews where 36 participants' experiences and concerns around health services were explored more in-depth. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis employed the constant comparative process to generate the leading themes. Results Only one in three participants believed that healthcare professionals have sufficient knowledge of LGBT issues, and less than half (43%) felt respected as an LGBT person by healthcare professionals. Although 26% had chosen not to reveal their LGBT status for fear of a negative response, many positive encounters of coming out to healthcare professionals were relayed in the interviews. LGBT persons have specific concerns around residential care, particularly in relation to the perception that the Irish healthcare services emanate a heteronormative culture. Conclusions Irish healthcare services need to reflect on how they currently engage with older LGBT persons at both an organisational and practitioner level. Consideration needs to be given to the specific concerns of ageing LGBT persons, particularly in relation to long-term residential care. Implications for practice Healthcare practitioners need to be knowledgeable of, and sensitive to, LGBT issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report the factors that influence clinical specialists' and advanced nurse practitioners' ability to enact their clinical and professional leadership roles; findings from the SCAPE study. Background The importance of leadership for specialist and advanced practitioners is highlighted in the international literature and is considered an important factor in the provision of improved patient outcomes. Despite many studies identifying the barriers in developing and integrating new specialist/advanced practice roles into health services, little is known about the factors that influence the leadership dimension of their role. Method A case study design involving 23 clinical specialist/advanced practitioners working in Ireland and multidisciplinary team members working with them, was used. Data were collected using interview, observation and documentary analysis. Results Four mediating factors influence the specialist/advanced practitioner's ability to perform a leadership role, namely the presence of a framework for the professional development of the role; opportunities to act as leaders; mechanisms for sustaining leadership; and personal attributes of practitioners. Conclusion and implications for nursing management Nursing/midwifery leaders and managers at all levels have a key role in supporting leadership potential, through countering the negative impact of professional isolation, expanding opportunities for specialist/advanced practitioners to influence policy and network with wider professional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To ascertain and explore the views held by key healthcare policy-makers on the impact of clinical specialist and advanced practice nursing and midwifery roles. Background Specialist and advanced practice roles are common world-wide and were introduced in Ireland in 2000. After experiencing these roles for a decade, the views of healthcare policy-makers were sought as part of a national evaluation. Methods A qualitative, descriptive design was used. Following ethical approval, 12 policy-makers were interviewed in 2010, using a six-part interview schedule. Results Policy-makers believed that specialist and advanced practice roles resulted in better continuity of care, improved patient/client outcomes and a more holistic approach. These clinicians were also said to be leading guideline development, new initiatives in care, education of staff, audit and policy development. They lacked administrative support and research time. Budget cuts and a government-applied recruitment moratorium were said to hamper the development of specialist/advanced practice roles. Conclusion Healthcare policy-makers believe that specialists and advanced practitioners contribute to higher quality patient/client care, particularly at a strategic level. Implications for nursing management These roles could make an important contribution to future health service developments, particularly in relation to chronic-disease management and community care, where more advanced practitioner posts are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Title. ‘Veiling sexualities’: a grounded theory of mental health nurses responses to issues of sexuality. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to develop a grounded theory explaining how mental health nurses respond to issues of sexuality in clinical practice. Background. The history of sexuality and people with mental health problems has largely been a history shrouded in misunderstanding, stigma, myth and negativity. However, individuals with mental health problems may experience sexuality and relationship difficulties related to their life experiences, mental illness, or its treatment. Methods. Grounded theory was the methodology used for the study. Interviews were conducted in 2005–2006 with 27 mental health nurses working an urban area in the Republic of Ireland. Data were analysed using the concurrent processes of constant comparative analysis, data collection, theoretical sampling and memo writing. Findings. The core category to emerge from the data was ‘veiling sexualities’. This refers to participants’ accounts of how they responded to the sexuality dimension of clients’ lives. Participants’ main concerns about sexuality were related to feelings of personal and professional vulnerability, due to a lack of competence, comfort and confidence in this area. The theory highlights the manner in which nurses perpetuate practices that marginalize, discriminate and socially exclude clients as ‘sexual citizens’. Conclusion. The theory of Veiled Sexualities may facilitate acknowledgement of the presence of sexuality in all nurse–client encounters, and promote a discourse on the sexual rights of people experiencing mental distress among mental health nurses and all involved in the delivery of mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses, by virtue of the close relationship with patients, are in a unique position to promote sexual health and provide sexual health advice to people in their care. Although nurses espoused the ideals of person-centred and holistic care, evidence from research studies suggested that, for a number of reasons, nurses did not consciously and proactively engage with patients in relation to sexual concerns. In today health-care environment, where patients are seeking information about the impact of illness and treatments on their sexual function, nurses have a responsibility to proactively engage with patients’ sexual health concerns in an informed and sensitive manner. The aim of this paper is to provide nurses with guidelines on how they might include this aspect of care within their everyday work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]