S.TRUEMAN PhD THESIS 2016

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nurse escorted the patient back to her home, only to discover that her partner had committed suicide by hanging himself on the side porch of their house. Two days later, on debriefing with the nurse, she stated, ‘If only I had the [mental health] skills or training to deal with the f***ing situation’. This short sentence deeply resonated with the mental health nurse educator/researcher as being representative of many similar self-deprecating statements made by remote general nurses in similar situations. In addition to the researcher’s first-hand experience, a review of literature made plain the need to examine the disproportionate burden on remote general nurses in clinical practice. The sentiment of being inadequately prepared is not confined to nurses’ own negative beliefs, but also results from the environments in which remote general nurses work, which may be isolated and harsh. The situation is further aggravated by the unpredictability of mental health presentations, limited resources (both generally and mental-health-specific), understaffing, stress and lack of training. The researcher has experience of all these issues and their continued negative impact on remote general nurses. Failing to address these issues means that the remote general nurse workforce will continue to struggle with disproportionate levels of stress, self-sacrifice and burnout. Reduced efficacy of remote nursing work due to these issues makes a serious contribution to the disproportionately poor mental health of remote Australians, which continues to deteriorate. 1.3 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study was to examine the social world of generalist nurses

delivering mental healthcare in remote Australia.