Mental health nursing has undoubtedly progressed as a profession but is at a hiatus that is not assisted by government policy and decreased resources.

Aims: This reflective account explores some of the considerable expectations placed upon qualified nurses and the real tensions that influence care delivery standards.

Methods: Reflecting on experiences gained in clinical settings, underpinned by literature on recovery, some of the expectations placed on qualified nurses in contemporary mental health service delivery are examined.

Conclusion: In order to adequately inform the practices and skill set of contemporary mental health nurses, recovery models and clinical staff input should play a central role in nurse education. Education and clinical practice areas should continue to move towards each other and seize every initiative to ensure both are on the same page. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.