The Role of the Forensic Nurse Consultant Observed

Abstract

A survey of the views of members of a forensic mental health team on the post of forensic nurse consultant was carried out by means of a questionnaire. All respondents were supportive of the development of the post and hoped that the consultant would be the ‘voice’ of nursing, a strong individual with the confidence and competence to challenge traditional interprofessional boundaries and to raise the profile of mental health nurses within the clinical team. Concerns, however, were expressed that the post might have too many facets and that the consultant could become a victim of elevated expectations, unable to meet all the demands. Respondents advised that in order to avoid consultant burnout, the role needs to be clearly defined, to retain a clinical focus and to provide time for continuing professional development. For postholders to be effective, it is essential that they are supported at all levels of the organisations in which they work.

Citation

Chalder, G. and Nolan, P. (2001), "The Role of the Forensic Nurse Consultant Observed", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 23-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200100017