Abstract
Introduction
Quantitative studies exploring trauma‐informed care (TIC) attitudes have not used samples made up exclusively of mental health nurses (MHNs). Qualitative methods were sparingly used.
Aim
To examine nurses’ TIC attitudes at a psychiatric hospital.
Method
A mixed‐method design was used. 136 MHNs completed the Attitudes Related to Trauma‐Informed Care scale. Data were analysed using inferential statistics. A focus group interview among ten MHNs ensued. Thematic analysis was used.
Results
MHNs demonstrated favourable TIC attitudes. Ambivalent attitudes for the subscale ‘Causes’ were identified. MHNs employed for less than 5 years at the hospital and those in acute settings displayed more favourable attitudes on some subscales. Three themes ‘Awareness’, ‘Unhealthy boundaries’ and ‘Inhibition’ emerged from qualitative analysis.
Discussion
Challenges uncovered in the provision of TIC include the unacknowledged impact of trauma on challenging behaviour among MHNS, the influence of blurred professional boundaries with long‐term clients on the cycle of perpetuated trauma identified by previous research and MHNs work‐related traumas.
Implications for practice
Identified challenges to TIC integration among MHNs can facilitate implementation of TIC in hospitals. TIC educational packages for MHNs should acknowledge traumatic histories in the aetiology of challenging behaviour and stress the importance of maintaining professional boundaries with clients.