A Qualitative Study Exploring how Qualified Mental Health Nurses Deal With Incidents That Conflict With Their Accountability

In reviewing the literature on accountability within nursing practice, it became clear that accountability is a complex issue. This study explored how 22 mental health nurses deal with the complex issue of conflict in their accountability within their daily practice. Results showed that nurses are working in an environment in which they have to deal with aggression, suicide & a lack of support from their line managers, as well as from medical colleagues. The nurses in this study identified the importance of team support, clinical supervision & debriefing as methods which help them deal with issues affect their accountability, within their practice. (61 refs)