Cultural Influences on Mental Health Provision in the Caribbean: How Do Contemporary Perceptions and Beliefs About Persons With Mental Illness Inform Workforce Transformation?

INTRODUCTION: Mental illness is a global phenomenon in society, including trained health professionals, often responding to people with mental illness based on perceptions and beliefs. The research examined "contemporary perceptions and beliefs about mental illness held by stakeholders" attending a mental health symposium in Trinidad. METHODS: Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Overall, 84 attendees working directly or experienced in mental health completed the survey. RESULTS: Respondents believed mental illness should be treated within local community settings. Participants who were more comfortable sharing their mental health diagnosis with friends were more likely to share with others, including their employers. There was a relationship between perception of the superstitious causes of mental illness and its effects on healing. DISCUSSION: Qualifications and experience in mental health do not reduce stigma associated with mental illness which has implications for addressing mental health literacy among health professionals.

Nurses' preparation for transitioning into positions of leadership-A Caribbean perspective.

AIM: To explore perspectives of nurse managers about their preparation for transitioning into positions of leadership. BACKGROUND: There have been serious concerns about the level of preparation as well as availability of support systems for transitioning of nurses into positions of authority. METHODS: This was a quantitative study conducted in four Caribbean countries targeting nurses promoted to leadership positions within the last 5 years. Data were collected using a 30-item questionnaire. Ethical approvals were received from the University of the West Indies and the participating countries. RESULTS: Most participants were female, had 15 or more years' experience and an associate degree/diploma in nursing. They felt prepared through training and acting opportunities although many were not preceptored/mentored into the position. Preparation by training was positively correlated to acting opportunities, preceptorship programme and having a preceptor. CONCLUSION: Transitioning into positions of leadership requires readiness from a personal as well as an organisational perspective. There must be investment in the development opportunities to support nurses' transition into leadership positions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Organisational continuity and effectiveness will be dependent on a balance between investing in experienced nursing personnel while encouraging personal development of less-experienced nurses. Peer mentorship must be utilized to facilitate nurse transition.

Nurses' preparation for transitioning into positions of leadership­A Caribbean perspective

Aim: To explore perspectives of nurse managers about their preparation for transitioning into positions of leadership. Background: There have been serious concerns about the level of preparation as well as availability of support systems for transitioning of nurses into positions of authority. Methods: This was a quantitative study conducted in four Caribbean countries targeting nurses promoted to leadership positions within the last 5 years. Data were collected using a 30-item questionnaire. Ethical approvals were received from the University of the West Indies and the participating countries. Results: Most participants were female, had 15 or more years' experience and an associate degree/diploma in nursing. They felt prepared through training and acting opportunities although many were not preceptored/mentored into the position. Preparation by training was positively correlated to acting opportunities, preceptorship programme and having a preceptor. Conclusion: Transitioning into positions of leadership requires readiness from a personal as well as an organisational perspective. There must be investment in the development opportunities to support nurses' transition into leadership positions. Implications for Nursing Management: Organisational continuity and effectiveness will be dependent on a balance between investing in experienced nursing personnel while encouraging personal development of less-experienced nurses. Peer mentorship must be utilized to facilitate nurse transition.