Nurses satisfaction with nursing care and work in Swedish forensic psychiatric units

Abstract

Nurses working in five Swedish forensic psychiatric units filled in a questionnaire designed for general psychiatric nursing, modified for forensic use. Data reflecting work satisfaction, clinical supervision and nursing activities were analysed. Seven factors were identified. The nurses were most satisfied with 'co-operation', 'information', and 'workrole', and they were less satisfied with relatives' and patients' influence. The focus of clinical supervision was mainly directed towards a patient's mental problems and how to interact with him/her. The nurses preferred that the patients problem should be formulated by the patient, or by the patient and the nurse together. The most salient findings of the present study were: (1) in spite of working in a clinical environment characterised by violent patients and conflict, work satisfaction was almost the same as nurses and occupational therapists in Swedish general psychiatric care; (2) the item with which they were most dissatisfied concerned the patients' relatives involvement in the care process.