How patients and nurses experience an open versus enclosed nursing station on an inpatient psychiatric unit

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Robin Bartlett, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The inpatient environment is a critical space for nurses and patients in psychiatric settings. In this article, we describe nurses’ and patients’ perceptions of the inpatient environment both before the removal of a Plexiglas enclosure around a nurses’ station and after its removal. Nurses had mixed feelings about the enclosure, reporting that it provided for confidentiality and a concentrated work space but also acknowledged the challenge of the barrier for communication with their patients. Patients unanimously preferred the nurses’ station without the barrier, reporting increased feelings of freedom, safety, and connection with the nurses after its removal. It is important to consider the implications of environmental decisions in inpatient settings in order to promote a healthy workplace and healing environment for all community members.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 21 (6), 398-405
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
psychiatric nursing, inpatient psychiatric nursing, acute care, mental health nursing, nursing station, nurse–patient relationship, engagement, unit safety, environment of care

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