FORENSIC NURSING AND MULTIDISCIPLI, Vol. 14

Using empirical data, the contributors analyse issues such as: professional standards; effectiveness of preparation for nurses working within secure environments; day to day and long term challenges facing nurses; clinical effectiveness; the dilemma of security versus practice; how forensic nursing differs from other kinds of nursing; and what forensic nurses can contribute to other mental health care disciplines. Examples of how research findings may be integrated into practice will be of interest not only to forensic nurses, but also to members of the wider mental health care field.

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

The first comprehensive account of forensic nursing and its role within the wider professional team, Forensic Nursing and Multidisciplinary Care of the Mentally Disordered Offender provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the training needed to work with mentally disordered patients, as well as to examine the key characteristics of the forensic nursing role. An international group of contributors, from a wide range of disciplines, offer a rich contribution of cross-cultural thinking on the many dilemmas and challenges facing nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists and other health care practitioners working with specific client groups.

Using empirical data, the contributors analyse issues such as: professional standards; effectiveness of preparation for nurses working within secure environments; day to day and long term challenges facing nurses; clinical effectiveness; the dilemma of security versus practice; how forensic nursing differs from other kinds of nursing; and what forensic nurses can contribute to other mental health care disciplines. Examples of how research findings may be integrated into practice will be of interest not only to forensic nurses, but also to members of the wider mental health care field.

Eileen Trigoboff

This is one of the very few books on this expanding and demanding field of psychiatric nursing care. The editors examine and discuss the role of the forensic nurse while exploring multi-professional boundaries. The purpose is to set the scene for forensic nursing and multidisciplinary care of the mentally disordered offender. The editors mean to answer some questions about the nature and role content, the dilemmas and difficulties, and the lack of opportunities in this growing profession of forensic nursing. The objectives are very well met. This text is meant to inform not only nurses in this profession with empirical content but also students and other professionals who work alongside the forensic nurse. The editors are practitioners of some renown in this clinical arena. The international view of this specialty offers an interesting comparison of the various clinical expressions and features. Definitions and clarifications of the role in a range of settings is an invaluable asset when working in this new area. This is a useful description of the field of forensic nursing and the care of the mentally disordered offender. As such this an excellent hedge against role conflict. Reading this book will validate many professionals' experiences and give depth to their understanding of this specialty

Robinson, David (Univ of Sheffield); Kettles, Alyson (Grampian Primary Care NHS Trust)