International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

The phenomenon of resilience in crisis care mental health clinicians

Corresponding Author

Karen-leigh Edward

School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Auastralia

Karen-leigh Edward, RPN, BN, Grad Dip Psych, MHSc.

Karen-leigh Edward, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Karen-leigh Edward,

Corresponding Author

Karen-leigh Edward

School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Auastralia

Karen-leigh Edward, RPN, BN, Grad Dip Psych, MHSc.

First published: 16 May 2005

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-0979.2005.00371.x

Citations: 91

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study, undertaken in 2003, was to explore the phenomenon of resilience as experienced by Australian crisis care mental health clinicians working in a highly demanding, complex, specialized and stressful environment. For the purpose of this research, the term ‘resilience’ was defined as the ability of an individual to bounce back from adversity and persevere through difficult times. The six participants for this study were drawn from Melbourne metropolitan mental health organizations – the disciplines of nursing, allied health and medicine. A number of themes were explicated from the participants’ interview transcripts – Participants identified the experience of resilience through five exhaustive descriptions, which included: ‘The team is a protective veneer to the stress of the work’; Sense of self; Faith and hope; Having insight; and Looking after yourself. These exhaustive descriptions were integrated into a fundamental structure of resilience for clinicians in this role. The study's findings have the potential to inform organizations in mental health to promote resilience in clinicians, with the potential to reduce the risk of burnout and hence staff attrition, and promote staff retention and occupational mental health.

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Volume14, Issue2

June 2005

Pages 142-148

The phenomenon of resilience in crisis care mental health clinicians

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The phenomenon of resilience in crisis care mental health clinicians

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