Creating Effective Post-Pandemic Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Experiences Using the Roy Adaptation Model.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted students in psychiatric clinical rotations. Clinicals were frequently limited or canceled, restricting exposure of student nurses to this experience. Many modifications led to permanent changes in the psychiatric clinical setting. Objectives: The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a cohesive approach to serving student nurses in the post-pandemic psychiatric clinical setting. Methods: A theoretical exploration of the literature framed by the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) was conducted. Discussion: Results are presented using the four modes of the theory: Physiological, Self-Concept, Role Function, and Interdependence. Conclusions: Findings include strategies to enhance student learning while supporting students' health and wellness. Educators and practitioners should provide high-quality, safe learning environments for student nurses.

Creating Effective Post-Pandemic Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Experiences Using the Roy Adaptation Model

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted students in psychiatric clinical rotations. Clinicals were frequently limited or canceled, restricting exposure of student nurses to this experience. Many modifications led to permanent changes in the psychiatric clinical setting. Objectives The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a cohesive approach to serving student nurses in the post-pandemic psychiatric clinical setting. Methods A theoretical exploration of the literature framed by the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) was conducted. Discussion Results are presented using the four modes of the theory: Physiological, Self-Concept, Role Function, and Interdependence. Conclusions Findings include strategies to enhance student learning while supporting students’ health and wellness. Educators and practitioners should provide high-quality, safe learning environments for student nurses.

Preventing COVID-19 Infection in Mental Health Units: Recommendations for Best Practices.

Mental health facilities should be equipped to care for patients while preventing spread of COVID-19. Peer-reviewed literature and guidelines for government and health organizations were reviewed to guide best practices. Gunderson's five therapeutic functions of a milieu are used as a conceptual framework. Patients should be screened for infection according to local or national policy prior to admission to an inpatient mental health unit. While interacting with one another in a therapeutic milieu, patients should be encouraged to practice physical distancing and hand hygiene. Clinicians may need to alter therapeutic groups to prevent COVID-19 infection. Additionally, clinicians should monitor patients for emerging symptoms and conduct rapid testing and isolation of patients suspected of COVID-19. Recommendations are made for patients unable to adhere to physical distancing or hand hygiene policies.