New survey shows mental health low staffing levels are impacting on patient care

Patient care is being compromised due to low staffing levels of mental health nurses according to a new survey from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

The survey, 'Untapped potential: a survey of RCN nurses in mental health 2007', found almost half (42%) of nurses reported that low staffing levels compromised patient care at least once a week and two thirds did not consider that current numbers of staff were sufficient to meet patient needs.

The survey also shows a third of mental health nurses' time is spent on administration and clerical duties, with 73% of those working in the community and 59% of those working in hospital settings reporting that too much of their time is spent on paper work. Over half (52%) report that they work excess hours at least several times a week.

The deficits crisis appears to be still hitting services hard with 70% of respondents reporting a recruitment freeze in their work area. Training for mental health nurses has also been hit with training days, essential for development and clinical excellence, falling by two days a year since 2005.

RCN general secretary Dr Peter Carter said;

“This survey shows that mental health nurses are facing serious obstacles to delivering the kind of care that their clients deserve. Nurses shouldn't be spending a third of their time on paper work, this time would be much better spent with their clients.

“We need to ensure nurses are fully supported by appropriate staffing levels and proper access to the training they need to update and maintain their skills. This survey is a warning that without proper staffing levels, morale drops, career development falters and patient care suffers”

Key findings in the report

• the skill mix ratio in mental health wards is more dilute than acute general hospital wards at a mean of 50% registered nurses: 50% health care assistants on day shifts (41%: 59% in elderly mental health wards)

• 43% of nurses say skills they have acquired are not used – most commonly these skills are; psychological therapy (64%), but also family - centred approaches (23%) and prescribing (10%).

•insufficient time is the main reason given for skills lying dormant – this correlates to a relationship with reported insufficient staff within the nursing establishment

• respondents have a mean age of 42 years and have worked in mental health for a mean of 17 years

• 29% report they feel unable to balance their work and home lives because of the hours they work.

• the three biggest frustrations reported are lack of resources and/or staff, too much time spent on administrative work, unsupportive management

• despite the above, 70% state nursing is a rewarding career with 48% reporting they would recommend nursing as a career

• the particular area of most job satisfaction for nurses in mental health is direct work with service users and clients