What is one of the goals of mental health nursing?

One of the primary goals of mental health nursing is to promote autonomy and self-efficacy among patients. This approach recognizes the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and make informed decisions regarding their mental health care. Fostering autonomy helps patients develop confidence in their abilities to manage their conditions, leading to improved outcomes and greater satisfaction with their care.

By encouraging self-efficacy, nurses cultivate a collaborative environment where patients feel supported in setting goals, expressing their concerns, and actively participating in their treatment plans. This empowerment is essential in mental health nursing, as it aids in building resilience and coping strategies that patients can use in their daily lives.

In contrast, options that focus on long-term hospital care or increasing reliance on psychotropic medications do not emphasize the individuals' role in their own treatment, potentially leading to dependency rather than empowerment. Additionally, avoiding patient involvement in care decisions directly undermines the goal of enhancing autonomy, as it restricts patients from engaging in discussions about their health, which is contrary to the principles of respectful and effective mental health nursing practice.