what sections of the Mental Health Act (1983) would a Mental Health Nurse have to be aware of?

Answer 1

To make sure that the nurse is not insane herself ?

Answer 2

Having been in psychiatric units quite a few times, I've talked to the nurses and the only sections they really have to be aware of are sections 2 & 3 as they are the main two sections that people are detained on, section 2 for 28 days for evaluation and section 3 for up to 6 months for treatment. They should be aware of any patient's section 17 leave. CPN's should be aware of section 117 discharge. Nurses also have the power to section a patient on a section 5(2) for 3 days until they can re-evaluated by the psychiatrist.

Answer 3

I'd say most of them, because if a crisis arises then you need to know which section is appropriate and in the best interests of the patient, in any given situation. IT is also important to understand the legal implications of each section.

The most specific section for nurses, in which a nurse can section a patient are:
Section 5(4) - To prevent a voluntary patient from leaving a hospital. They can be detained for 6 hours.
If, after this 6 hours the patient is still a danger, a doctor can detain under Section 5(2) for a maximum of 72 (from the beginning of the 5(4)).

Answer 4

It depends on what kind of unit you're planning on working on, acute, forensic, eating disorders, older adults etc?? The main ones that wherever you work will have to be, Sec 2, Sec 3, Sec 5(2), Sec 5(4), Sec 4, Sec 17, Sec 117, Sec 18, Sec 19 and Sec 21.

It'll be really difficult to learn the whole MHA but those are the basics. I'm a psyvhiatric nurse, working in an older adult unit. In 2 years I'v only used sections 2.3,17 and 117.

Answer 5

maximum in all probability :) interesting info. once you've a psychological issue like oh.. Bi-polar/schizophrenia/etc and decide state assistance, they deliver you a health facility. those clinics interior the states ninety% of the time run by technique of a non secular crew. So in a fashion, in the adventure that your psychological well being is each extra into question and also you say "God made me" they are going to be efficient to have an expert obtainable to label you loopy.

Answer 6

I would think they would have to be familiar with the whole thing. The care they provide is based on it. Of course, it was revised in 1999, but you can get a copy of the whole thing here:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4005756

Don't pay any attention to "what_the" and his constant rants about psychiatry.

Answer 7

all of it really but definately the patients charter of rights is a very important one

Answer 8

She would need to be aware that psychiatrists rape peoples lives on a daily basis.

Check the profile. View the links.

Answer 9

i aggree with bmac. he has it spot on