The nurse bombarded, consumed and vulnerable: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of mental health nurses' self-care at work

Introduction Self-care is essential for nurses' wellbeing, with stress posing a major barrier. Research into self-care is often absorbed into studies of burnout or resilience. Understanding lived experiences of influences on nurses' self-care practices is essential. There is currently a paucity of literature on this topic.Aim To explore mental health nurses' views about what influences their ability to self-care in relation to workplace stress and the impact on their practice and work environment.Methods An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was utilized. In-depth interviews explored how nurses perceived the influence of environment and relationships on self-care practices in the workplace.Results Participants' perceptions and experiences are embodied by the theme: the nurse bombarded, comprising two subordinate themes-the nurse consumed by the intensity of work and therapeutic relationships; and feeling vulnerable from colleague relationships and feeling undervalued. Participants described conflict between workload demands and expectations and the desire to provide optimal care.Conclusions Stressful working environments pose major barriers to effective self-care. Feeling bombarded and vulnerable, impacts nurses' lives personally and professionally.Implications for Practice Mental health nurses' self-care is crucial for quality practice. Strategies to address relational, personal and environmental barriers to self-care are therefore necessary.