Advanced Practice in Mental Health Nursing: A European Perspective

This textbook explores issues central to the provision of recovery-orientated care based on ethical principles and human rights perspectives. Written by academics and nurse practitioners, this comprehensive text draws together theory, research and practice to map the landscape of Advanced Practice in Mental Health Nursing (APMHN) in Europe. Underpinned by a rights- and relational- based approach to care, the textbook is organized around six themes: theoretical and historical perspectives; foundations for collaborative working; therapeutic engagement in different contexts; beyond the clinical dimension of the APMHN role; advancing the evidence-based practice agenda and emerging issues and challenges. Each theme consists of a number of chapters that are designed to address different aspects of APMHN.

With a focus on illuminating the collaborating aspect of their role and advancing nurses’ competencies, debates and guidance are provided in areas such as therapeutic alliance, assessment, care-planning, mental health promotion, family work, trauma, diversity and culture, spirituality, risk and uncertainty, and prescribing. In addition to addressing the leadership, education and advocacy role, specific chapters explore the APMHN role in linking evidence to practice, in the participatory generation of evidence and maintaining professional competence. With a focus on future challenges and opportunities the textbook concludes with discussion on issues, such as eMental Health and future challenges and possibilities facing APMHNs, including challenges in informing policy, democratizing services, working across service and disciplinary boundaries, collaboratively shaping the evidence agenda, as well sustaining their role into the future.

Within the book theoretical debate is grounded in case studies and/or examples from across Europe. This textbook is especially relevant to Mental Health Nurses undertaking studies at the Advanced Practice level. It is also suited to all Mental Health Nurses studying at post-graduate level who wish to advance their practice irrespective of the country. Educators, researchers and policy-makers involved in the area of Mental Health and Advanced Nursing Practice along with people with lived experiences will find the text of relevance.