Consultation–liaison nursing: A personal reflection

Abstract

This paper summarises a consultation–liaison nurse’s journey as a senior mental health clinician working within the general hospital setting. It begins with a brief history of consultation–liaison nursing (CLN) and covers the CLN experience in both the general hospital and the emergency department showing how the role evolved to become more focused on the needs of the general hospital. It shares some experiences during a stimulating, challenging and rewarding career where clinical supervision is seen as essential not only to reflect on and improve practice but to assist the CL nurse in working through the emotional demands of the role. The paper aims to increase knowledge of the CLN experience and promote interest in this specialist area of mental health nursing which is developing rapidly internationally and in Australia.

Keywords:

• consultation–liaison
• nursing
• mental health
• psychiatry
• general hospital