ABSTRACT
Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to describe similarities and differences in psychiatric mental health (PMH) nursing care and standards across diverse global contexts. This chapter is based on the experience of four authors residing in four different countries around the globe. Their experiences are bound to the mental health system of their countries and their own careers and practice environments. These examples reflect the authors’ lens about psychiatric nursing care practice standards and the functioning of nurses within these countries. Specifically, sets of psychiatric nursing standards will be examined from differing cultural contexts: a North American country (Canada), a Middle Eastern country (Jordan), and two European countries (Belgium and Denmark). Definitions of the standards of mental health care will be provided and a description of PMH nursing within a contextual overview of mental health cares in each country (see Table 8.1). Current mental health issues and tensions that impact nursing and PMH nursing standards of practice will be explored. Recommendations for improving mental health care by increasing the role and visibility of psychiatric nurses will be addressed. The chapter will conclude by discussing the similarities and differences related to PMH nursing practice across these diverse contexts.
