Abstract:
This paper presents the findings from research that investigated the feasibility of developing a
specialty return to mental health nursing programme in New Zealand. This was achieved through
a scoping of existing return to nursing programmes; a survey of non-active nurses; and stakeholder
consultation via interviews or focus groups. Existing generic programmes fail to attract non active
nurses wishing to focus on mental health nursing. The non-active nurses survey found 142 nurses
who presently would or might possibly return to mental health nursing and participate in a programme.
Most stakeholders supported the idea of implementing such a programme. The findings
from this research indicate both feasibility and enthusiasm for the introduction of return to mental
health nursing programmes. It is recommended that all aspects of this course mirror the service
user focused ‘recovery paradigm’ that is a central tenet in contemporary mental health service
delivery.
