An investigation into whether the level of experience affects the
way that CMHNs assess the level of risk from clients

Murphy, N

Abstract

This was a small scale study that focussed on whether the level of experience affected
the way that Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHN) assessed the risk of violence
from their clients. Ethical approval was gained and 22 participants took part in the
study. A mixed method approach was adopted utilising a quantitative phase followed
by a qualitative phase of data collection. Each were separately analysed and the
results were, that regardless of level of experience, the CMHNs believed that they
were the best at assessing risks compared to all other Multidisciplinary Team
members. Further, the more experienced the staff member the more control they tried
to impart on the perceived risk situation, whereas the less experienced members of
staff tended to withdraw and allow other members of staff to deal with the situation.
Finally it was found that although training was found to be important in helping the
staff to identify and manage risks; observation of live situations that were well
managed was more influential in their interpretation of how they should react. The
more experienced staff utilising more ‘life skills’ experience than the less
experienced.
These finding will have an impact on training and on the future recruitment of staff to
community positions.

Citation

way that CMHNs assess the level of risk from clients. (Dissertation). Manchester Metropolitan University

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 4, 2012