Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study on Caring Experiences of Mental Health Nurses for the Mentally Ill Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed at understanding the experiences of mental health nurses caring for mentally ill patients.Methods: Van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological method was used to analyze qualitative data. The partici- pants were 8 mental health nurses who worked in hospitals, mental health welfare centers, or psychiatric reha- bilitation facilities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from July 24, 2017, to June 20, 2018.Results: Eight essential themes emerged: “A body that must endure severe symptoms”, “A hand that cares for the wound”, “Ambivalence in a closed space”, “Making them adapt to the open world”, “Being together and getting close to the patients”, “Going forward, leaning on each other”, “Time to protect even a small light”, and “Becoming a shining star by myself”.Conclusion: Strategies are needed to cope with patient violence and prevent psychological trauma. Mental health nurses should be trained for empathetic competency to understand symptoms and build trusting relationships. Caring requires respect and love based on humanity. Mental health nurses learn from patients and experience mutual care that grows through self-reflection. Policy support including financial and manpower security is essential to improving the quality of care and preventing exhaustion.