Saudi Arabian Nurses’ Motivations and Barriers to Employment in Inpatient Mental Health Facilities: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

Background: The shortage of inpatient psychiatric mental health care nurses in Saudi Arabia represents an important health care challenge. Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate perspectives of psychiatric mental health nurses employed in psychiatric inpatient settings about their employment experiences. Method: This study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach using thematic content analysis. Ten professional nurses with psychiatric inpatient caring experience participated in two focus groups composed of Master of Nursing students. Results: Four main themes emerged: inadequate professional skills and knowledge for psychiatric mental health care practice, negative public attitudes toward psychiatric/mental health nurses, concerns for personal safety, and alternatives and advantages. The findings of this study suggest that nurses’ lack of interest in working in psychiatric units is not merely personal but also social and organizational. Conclusions: The study findings may encourage managers and authorities to develop measures to attract more mental health nurses to work in psychiatric units. Such strategies may include modification of nurses’ skills, training, and professional knowledge, collegial supervision, mentoring, and working conditions and environment.