Experiences, Perspectives, and Professional Development Needs of Mental Health Nurses Caring for Women During the Perinatal Period in Acute Mental Health Settings
- 1School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University – Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Australia
- 2School of Nursing & Midwifery, Griffith University – Nathan Campus, Nathan, Australia
- 3School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Abstract
Background: High-quality management of mental illness for women admitted to acute mental health settings during the perinatal period is crucial due to the complexities associated with concurrent mental illness and pregnancy/childbearing.
Purpose: This research aimed to identify perspectives and education needs and experiences of moral distress among psychiatric nurses caring for perinatal women in acute mental health settings.
Methods: A convenience sample of 12 nurses from acute mental health units in public tertiary hospitals in south-east Queensland, Australia, completed a demographic survey and semi-structured interviews which were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four overarching themes included: (i) Nursing Care, (ii) Work Environment, (iii) Workflow Challenges, and (iv) Moral Distress. Despite potential risks for women admitted to acute mental health units during the perinatal period, nurses provided compassionate care, demonstrated advocacy, reflected upon challenging conversations, and were cognizant of patient safety. Nurses reported limited educational preparation around perinatal mental health, and perceived deficits in continuing professional development opportunities and resources. Negative feelings associated with moral distress, including worrying and struggling, were highlighted by nurses and impacted care provision.
Conclusion: Nurses require support to successfully navigate providing care to this complex clinical group within equally complex health care environments, team dynamics and moral/ethical considerations.
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BibTeX
@article{lamoureux2026experiences,
title = {{Experiences, Perspectives, and Professional Development Needs of Mental Health Nurses Caring for Women During the Perinatal Period in Acute Mental Health Settings}},
author = {Sara Lamoureux and Elizabeth M. Forster and Amy E. Mitchell},
journal = {The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1177/08445621261483299},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/08445621261483299},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Experiences, Perspectives, and Professional Development Needs of Mental Health Nurses Caring for Women During the Perinatal Period in Acute Mental Health Settings
AU - Sara Lamoureux
AU - Elizabeth M. Forster
AU - Amy E. Mitchell
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/30
JO - The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research
DO - 10.1177/08445621261483299
UR - https://doi.org/10.1177/08445621261483299
AB - Background: High-quality management of mental illness for women admitted to acute mental health settings during the perinatal period is crucial due to the complexities associated with concurrent mental illness and pregnancy/childbearing. Purpose: This research aimed to identify perspectives and education needs and experiences of moral distress among psychiatric nurses caring for perinatal women in acute mental health settings. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 nurses from acute mental health units in public tertiary hospitals in south-east Queensland, Australia, completed a demographic survey and semi-structured interviews which were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes included: (i) Nursing Care, (ii) Work Environment, (iii) Workflow Challenges, and (iv) Moral Distress. Despite potential risks for women admitted to acute mental health units during the perinatal period, nurses provided compassionate care, demonstrated advocacy, reflected upon challenging conversations, and were cognizant of patient safety. Nurses reported limited educational preparation around perinatal mental health, and perceived deficits in continuing professional development opportunities and resources. Negative feelings associated with moral distress, including worrying and struggling, were highlighted by nurses and impacted care provision. Conclusion: Nurses require support to successfully navigate providing care to this complex clinical group within equally complex health care environments, team dynamics and moral/ethical considerations.
SN - 0844-5621
SN - 1705-7051
ER -