5.1. Methodological Considerations. The results of this study
are based on a comprehensive and rich material from interviews
with fifteen MHNs working at five acute mental health
units who, after many years of experience, still had faith in
the ability of patients to move toward a feeling of well-being.
Data saturation was seen after fifteen interviews when the
data repeated. The trustworthiness of the results has been
secured through the documentation of the analysis process,
where the results are substantiated with data [36, 55]. The
researchers, all MHNs with clinical and research experience,
discussed the steps of the condensation-abstraction process.
All three researchers examined the data independently and
agreement was obtained regarding the identified main categories
and latent theme. In the study, rigor is demonstrated
by the inclusion of tables (Tables 1 and 2) that illustrate the
condensation-abstraction process of how the main categories
were developed from the raw data to promote sensitivity in
the abstraction, which is a form of validation [37]. Content
analyses served the purpose of the study. However, a more
hermeneutic method might have highlighted other aspects of
the study.
6. Conclusions
MHNs seek to understand the self-harm patient, who often
balances between life and death. Each patient’s unique wellbeing
can be promoted by creating a collaborative nursepatient
relationship and person-centered nursing interventions.
We found that self-harm can change in character and
intensity and that caring for patients who are suffering from
self-harm requires MHNs with advanced clinical competence.
Further research should focus on how MHNs can promote
well-being through concrete person-centered nursing
interventions, such as wound care, medication, or individual
nursing and mastery plans, especially from the patients’
perspective. Also, the use of systematic observations and
assessments, observance of triggers, and use of diversion
while engaged in a reflective dialogue is recommended.
Ethical Approval
The study was approved by the Norwegian Social Science
Data Services 30.08.2009, and the ethical guidelines according
to the Helsinki Declaration for research were followed
carefully during the course of the entire study [39].
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare no conflict of interests with respect to the
authorship and/or publication of this paper.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to all the MHNs who participated in
this study, without whom this work would not have been possible.
Randi Tofthagen has received funding for her doctoral
studies from the Lovisenberg Diaconal University College