The power of influence: an exploration of student mental health nurses' perceptions of patients with personality disorder

Background/Aims: Lecturers from one higher education establishment were concerned about the use of stigmatising language they were hearing in the classroom from student mental health nurses. The study aimed to explore the perspectives of first year student nurses on personality disorders, and if there was a difference between their understanding of personality disorders in university and their experiences during placement. Methodology: A case study approach was used, consisting of two data collection methods. First year student mental health nurses were asked to take part in a poster creation exercise to indicate signs of a personality disorder and then participate in follow-up semi-structured interviews to gauge their views on the diagnosis of personality disorders. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Thematic analysis revealed four main themes; fear, stigma, professionalism, and knowledge and understanding. Evaluation revealed that student mental health nurses attending clinical placement had witnessed clinical staff emotionally distancing themselves from their patients with personality disorder. Student mental health nurses were fearful about caring for patients with personality disorder and wanted help to feel more confident, sometimes turning to social media to try and learn more. Conclusions: During their placement, student nurses observed stigmatising behaviour towards patients with a personality disorder. They reported needing help to make sure they can care for patients with a personality disorder according to their professional nursing values. Further exploration is required to look into educational approaches that can strengthen mental health nursing students' confidence in tackling stigma and working with patients with personality disorders. Implications for practice: This study enables practitioners to pause and reflect on their own practice while caring for those with personality disorders and consider the influence they have over the students they teach and work with.