A Conceptual Framework for Empowerment of Psychiatric Nurses Caring for Children with Mental Health Challenges

There are scanty empirical and theoretical studies focusing specifically on the implementation models for the care of psychiatric nurses caring for children. Staff contribution in the process of putting clinically relevant actions into practice contributes to effective implementation, increased acceptance, and commitment. These practises can be used to improve mental health care services of children at different levels. The aim is to deepen an understanding of the perspective of care for children with mental health challenges. A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was used to allow for innovative thoughts to restructure the practice of child psychiatric nursing and is based on the Practice-Orientated Theory of Dickoff. A positive focus on aspects that facilitate care for children with mental health problems is informed by the data collected. A suite of services that include practice environment, trainings, and practical assistance is feasible to support psychiatric nurses. This framework implies that psychiatric nurses need professional competence to understand the context of the environment. Psychiatric nurses need to move beyond engagement to demonstrate how they help children with psychiatric challenges and to enable the development of psychiatric nursing practice through international collaboration.