The perceived roles of psychiatric mental health nurses in selected hospital-based psychiatric units in Metro Manila

@#The increasing demand for mental health services worldwide and the continuing development of government policies for mental health require a huge contribution from psychiatric mental health nurses. However, previous studies reveal that the roles of psychiatric mental health nurses lack distinctiveness compared with other members of the health care team; thus the need for clearer identification of their role. This study intended to describe the perceived roles of psychiatric mental health nurses in selected hospital-based psychiatric settings. Qualitative descriptive study design was used. A purposive sample of eleven (11) psychiatric mental health nurses and twelve (12) non-nurses (i.e. psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social worker, and occupational therapists) participated in semi-structured interviews about their perceived roles of psychiatric mental health nurses. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. It was found out that the perceived roles of psychiatric mental health nurses are direct care provider, facilitator of family and therapeutic group activities, manager of therapeutic environment, educator, collaborator, patient advocate and researcher. It also showed that the roles of psychiatric mental health nurses are clearly established in hospital-based psychiatric settings and that the perception of psychiatric nurses about their roles is consistent with the roles that other mental healthcare professionals expect from them.

Fostering partnerships between the academe-government and community in the COVID-19 pandemic response in the Philippines

@#This paper describes the COVID-19 response efforts through strategic partnerships of a nursing school in the Philippines. The roles of the academe through teaching as well as continuing education and community extension services programs were particularly harnessed. Existing academe-government-community partnerships were leveraged, and personal networks mobilized to provide support on risk communication, community engagement, and capacity building. Challenges and limitations encountered serve as points for improving the academe's strategies and activities. The lessons from this undertaking highlight the crucial role of nursing schools as relevant resources in COVID-19 pandemic response initiatives. Partnerships and networks built prior to the pandemic are instrumental in providing the space and opportunities for faculty and student nurses to aid in strengthening the local response. Recommendations are outlined to enhance current roles, strategies, and activities of the academe in the COVID-19 pandemic and lay future directions for Philippine nursing schools given the increasing incidence and severity of disasters in the country.

The champion: Conquering the challenges of bipolar disorders

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">Bipolar Disorder has been one of the leading psychiatric conditions here in the Philippines. . It is characterized by mood swings from profound depression to extreme euphoria (mania), with intervening period of normal mood (euthymia). The frequency, duration, and severity of manic and/or depressive episodes varies and is unique to each individual (Haber, 1997). In general, there are five in every 100 Filipinos who are suffering from some form of depression, and other may have a different reaction such as hyperactivity or swinging from depression to euphoria, unable to function normally, and in real danger of hurting themselves and others. Sadly, many of those with bipolar illness are left undiagnosed and, consequently, untreated. This case study presents how nurses play a role in helping patients overcome the challenges of having a psychiatric illness particularly those with Bipolar Disorder. </p>