Abstract:
In mental health, a Maximum-Security Ward is a special setting for care of patients
who are unique and exceptional. People who have committed crimes due to their
mental conditions are admitted for care, treatment and rehabilitation. Patients admitted
in this ward are verbally and physically aggressive, violent, unpredictable,
unmanageable and at times manipulative. Professional nurses working in the
Maximum-Security Ward are at risk of suffering from occupational stress, burnout, lack
motivation and are anxious. The aim of this study is to investigate the experiences of
professional nurses working in the Maximum-Security Ward at Hayani hospital. A
qualitative approach using a descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was used.
A purposive, convenient sampling was used to sample professional nurses working in
the Maximum-Security Ward of Hayani hospital. In-depth interviews were used to
collect data. A voice recorder was utilised to record all data and the researcher being
the main instrument for data collection. Dependability, confirmability and transferability
were upheld to ensure trustworthiness of the findings. Data was analysed using Tech’s
eight steps approach. Three themes with their categories and subcategories emerged
after data analysis. The themes were as follows: the participants’ views on type of
patients admitted in the ward, participants’ views on safety in the ward and
participants’ views on staff interaction. The study recommended the following:
Emotional counselling and debriefing sessions to be conducted at regular intervals or
after a traumatic incident. Motivational and team building activities to be organised for
professional nurses. Safety of professional nurses must be of significant value. More
support is needed in times of emotional difficulties. Development of a model to support
professional nurses.
