Author

Stacie Olson

Date of Award

5-2010

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) patients are one of the most common personality disorders encountered by psychiatric nurses. BPD patients present as difficult and are often considered frustrating by psychiatric nurses. BPD presents several clinical , challenges for psychiatric nurses such as anger, hostility, manipulative interpersonal styles, and self mutilation

These behaviors may affect a number of psychiatric nurses and cause negative attitudes to develop towards caring for BPD patients. Negative attitudes by psychiatric nurses could influence their interactions with BPD patients and patient care outcomes. More education is needed for psychiatric nurses about the negative attitudes on the care of BPD

The procedure or methodology entailed a comprehensive review of literature on nurses' attitudes towards BPD. After the literature was reviewed a summary of the findings was presented to psychiatric nurses in an acute care setting at a staff meeting. An evaluation was done to assess the educational presentation's benefits to practice for psychiatric nursing staff. The results of this project were presented at the University of North Dakota's Graduate Forum as a poster and for psychiatric nurses from a Midwestern community hospital in the form of an inservice

The literature indicated a need for further education, training, and clinical supervision for nurses taking care of BPD patients. Psychiatric nurses would benefit from education on nurses' attitudes towards BPD. The education should address that nurses be aware of their own strengths and weakenss before approaching patients with BPD. A better understanding of BPD will help psychiatric nurses implement interventions that reduce negative attitudes toward BPD patients

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