Nursing Essay: Historical Perspective and Nursing Skills in Recovery

This essay delves into the realm of recovery-oriented mental health services, examining their historical roots and the essential skills required of nurses within this framework. The essay begins by tracing the evolution of recovery-oriented practice, highlighting the influence of the consumer movement and the pivotal role of individuals with lived experience. It discusses the recovery approach itself and its impact on the development of recovery-oriented mental health services. The essay then transitions to the practical application of these concepts, outlining the capabilities and specific skills nurses need to effectively implement recovery-oriented practices. These skills encompass promoting hope, person-centered care, cultural sensitivity, self-determination, and social inclusion. The essay references the National Framework for Recovery Oriented Mental Health Services, emphasizing its role in guiding mental health practitioners. The analysis covers five domains, including promoting culture, person-first approach, personal recovery, workforce development, and social inclusion, and highlights the importance of communication, cultural awareness, and the ability to support diverse populations. The essay concludes by underscoring the interconnectedness of the consumer movement, lived experiences, and the implementation of recovery-oriented practices, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation within the field.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Task 1: Historical Perspective....................................................................................................2
1. Why did recovery oriented practice developed?...............................................................2
3. Discuss the role of people with lived experience and the role they and their family had in
developing recovery oriented practice...................................................................................3
4. Discuss the recovery approach and the role it had in developing recovery oriented
practice...................................................................................................................................4
Task 2: Capabilities and required skills.....................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................8
Reference....................................................................................................................................9

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Introduction
The National framework for recovery oriented mental health services describes about
the practice standards and capabilities which are required in the mental health workforce to
provide recovery approach (A national framework for recovery-oriented mental health
services, 2019). The framework was recommended by the Australian Health Minister’s
Advisory Council on 2013 (Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council, 2019). It works as
a guide to the mental health practitioners to provide better treatment (Australian Health
Ministers' Advisory Council, 2019). This report broadly divided into two parts, the first part
describes the historical perspective of the framework and the second part describes the
necessary skills required by the nurses who are following the framework. The historical
perspective indicates that the development of the recovery approach was directly connected
with the consumer movement. The report is also highlighted the relationship between
recovery approach and Recovery Oriented mental Health Services.
Task 1: Historical Perspective
1. Why did recovery oriented practice developed?
Consumer movement refers to the organised activity of consumers in different
developed nations (Smith & McGurn, 2016). The movement begins on 1960. The time of
technological and economic change facilitates the movement. There were different factors
which influenced the consumer movement. Development of recovery oriented practice was
interconnected with the consumer movement. The recovery of the patients with physical or
mental illness was challenging during that time. Apart from that, the social acceptance of
those patients was not adequate. They lacks general civil rights and it hampers their quality of
living. This social crisis was mitigated by the involvement of different consumer movements

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during 1960’s and the concept of recovery oriented practice was introduced later to provide
adequate support and care to the patients with mental disability.
2. Discuss consumer movement and the role it had in developing Recovery
oriented practice.
Consumer movement has a direct impact on the development of the Recovery
approach. The development of recovery approach was based on the studies where it was
indicated that patients with mental disorders could be treated. The personalized treatment
plan in case of patients with mental illness plays a significant role in recovery. Several studies
highlighted the fact that, recovery of a mentally ill patient is depended on personalized
treatment plan. Apart from that, several studies indicated that treatment plan focusing with
only symptoms are not effective enough for recovery of a patient with mental disorder.
Disability right movement was an essential part of the consumer movement which influences
the development of recovery approach. The movement supported the mentally and physically
disabled patients and tried to strengthen the human rights of the patients. Therefore, the
beginning of the recovery approach was related to this movement. The movement supports
the patients with mental illness by providing specific treatment and care. Moreover, the
movement supported the socioeconomic condition of the patient so that they can improve
their quality of life. The patients were supported to access the opportunities of employment
which helped them to become independent.
3. Discuss the role of people with lived experience and the role they and their
family had in developing recovery oriented practice.
Recovery is a concept which was introduced to the individuals with mental disorder to
support their journey, experience and support their identity beyond the medical condition
(Jacob, 2015). The recovery approaches are considered as an alternative to the traditional

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medical practice due to the focus on pathology, dependency and deficits (Jacob, 2015).
Participation of the patients with mental illness played an essential role in development of the
consumer movement. Lived experience participation refers to the participation of the patients
with mental illness in development of mental health services. People who shared their
experience of suicidal tendency, drugs or any other mental distress helped the system to
recognize the requirements of the people who are facing difficulties due to mental illness
(Happell et al., 2017). The system can be enriched by understanding the social changes
occurred in a person with mental illness. Involvement of the patients improves the outcome,
as the mental health developing system can follow or implement different approaches
according to the mental illness (Eide, Josephsson & Vik, 2017). Different studies reported
that, people with a lived experience helps the recovery approach by providing their
perspectives which reduces the symptoms of the problem of another individual (Eide,
Josephsson & Vik, 2017). Hence it is understood that participation of the lived experienced
people provided numerous advantages which were not found in the traditional approaches
(Happell et al, 2015 a).
4. Discuss the recovery approach and the role it had in developing recovery
oriented practice.
Recovery approach refers to the complete recovery of an individual who was
diagnosed with a mental disorder. It is linked with the growth of the recovery-oriented
practice. The recovery approach targets care beyond medication and it is characterized by
hope and self-confidence development, relationship development, self-motivation etc. (Jacob,
2015). The patients who had experience of mental illness supported this concept of recovery
approach. Their involvement helps the health professionals to understand the patient’s
perspective and to develop personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s condition
(Happell et al., 2017). As a result, the recovery-oriented practice was developed. As per the

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experience of the patient, the recovery oriented practice introduces the principles such as
uniqueness of the individual, choices of the individual, rights of the individual, Respect
towards the patient, communication with the patient and recovery evaluation (A national
framework for recovery-oriented mental health services, 2019). Therefore, the concept of
recovery approach leads to the development of the recovery-oriented practice framework.
Task 2: Capabilities and required skills
The capabilities for recovery-oriented practice require core principle, knowledge,
values, and different skills to provide better care. Mental health practitioners need to meet
these capabilities to provide safe and suitable treatment to the patients with mental disorders.
Nurses need to possess several skills to meet those capabilities.
Domain 1 refers to “promoting culture and language of hope and optimism”.
In case of recovery oriented metal health service, culture and language helps to promote
positivity and optimism in a patient. As a result, the self-confidence of the patient can be
improved. In several cases, patients with chronic disorder, may face negativity which
obstructs them to develop a quality life. Nurses play an important role in this case to support
the patients. Multi linguistic skill can help the nurses to meet this capability. Different
languages help to develop understanding on the culture. This can help the nurses to
communicate properly with the patient and as a result proper care can be provided. Therefore,
the metalinguistic communication will promote recovery to in a heterogenetic population.
Domain 2 refers to “Person 1st and holistic”. There are six different capabilities
described in this domain. Firstly, the personalised treatment irrespective of any cultural or
social background. Nurses need to acknowledge the patient’s family and personal supports.
Apart from that they need to support the patient by promoting his or her self-advocacy
(Australian Government: Department of Health, 2019). Secondly, special attention towards

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the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families. Individuals from the
aboriginal and Torres are not very comfortable with others and it can affect in treatment.
Hence it is important to support them by providing a welcoming environment (Australian
Government: Department of Health, 2019). The nurses need have clear understanding on
their cultural background to promote therapeutic relationship. Thirdly, nurses may encounter
people from different countries and it is important to provide proper care to them (Australian
Government: Department of Health, 2019). The fourth refers to “responsive to and inclusive
of gender age culture, spirituality and other diversity irrespective of location and setting”
(Australian Government: Department of Health, 2019). The fifth capability refers to provide
adequate care towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, their families
of choice, and communities. Finally, the sixth capability refers to communication with the
families of the patients. This capability requires the nurses to provide a welcoming
environment so that people from diverse cultural background can feel that they are the center
of the treatment they receive. Nurses need to develop adequate knowledge about the mental
health condition so that they can educate the families of the patients. As a result, the stigma
connected to the mental disorder can be abolished. Therefore, the recovery concept will
empower the heterogenic population.
Personal recovery is an important part of nursing practice and it is the main content of
Domain 3. This domain requires capabilities such as supporting self-determination, focusing
on the personal responsibility and reflective practice (Australian Government: Department of
Health, 2019). In many cases, patients do not have a proper information regarding their
rights. Nurses need to inform the population and support them by exercising the rights that
can break the social barrier related to the medical condition (Murcia & Lopez, 2016).
Environment of the work place and adequate organizational culture help to develop a
workforce that can support the recovery-oriented practice. Domain 4 refers to the mentioned

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topic that are commitment towards the recovery-oriented practice, learning from patients with
experience, service partnership and workforce development (Australian Government:
Department of Health, 2019). The working environment can directly affect the patient care;
hence, nurses need to acknowledge different individuals who involved in working
partnership. Patients who had experience of mental illness often face social discrimination,
nurses need to develop a working relationship with them and acknowledge their importance
in understanding the patient’s perspective (Ellis 2018). Adequate communication skills and
commitment required to achieve these capabilities. Hence, it will promote recovery in
patients with different cultures (Ellis 2018).
Domain 5 refers to “Action on social inclusion and social determinants of health,
mental health and wellbeing”. There three capabilities related to the domain, which are,
supporting the patients who are facing social inclusion, challenging the discrimination and
promoting the positive understanding and develop partnership with communities (Australian
Government: Department of Health, 2019). Nurses need to support the patients with mental
illness and their families by providing adequate information regarding the illness and policies
related to mentally challenged patients (Arnold 2018). These policies can help patients from
different socio-economical background to understand the concept of recovery. Apart from
that, nurses need to support the patients by providing employment opportunities, social
engagement etc. which will change the social attitude towards the mentally challenged
patients (Mann, Bradley and Sahakian 2016).
Recovery of a population from a diverse cultural socio economic background is
directly connected with the involvement of the nurses. There are several factors which can
improve the treatment of the recovery (Murcia & Lopez, 2016). Culturally different patients
may face challenges in recovery, the treatment plan need to have a flexibility according to
their understanding (Murcia & Lopez, 2016). The nurses need to develop cultural awareness,

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knowledge so that they can engage with people from diverse background (Murcia & Lopez,
2016).
Conclusion
To conclude, the history of consumer movement indicates the connection between the
consumers and the growth of recovery oriented practice in mental health sectors. Lived
experienced people had involved in practical implementation of the recovery approach along
with different laws which were introduced in different countries to standardize the mental
health system. The National Framework for Recovery Oriented Mental Health Services:
Guide for Practitioners and Providers outlines expected capabilities of health care are one of
those standardized approaches that help the medical practitioners to provide adequate care.
There are several capabilities required to provide adequate care to the patients. Nurses
involved in mental health practice need to involve in practicing skills to meet those
capabilities.

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Reference
A national framework for recovery-oriented mental health services. (2019). Retrieved 29 July
2019. Retrieved from http://www.mhima.org.au/pdfs/Recovery%20Framework
%202013_Policy_theory.pdf
Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2019). Interpersonal Relationships E-Book: Professional
Communication Skills for Nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Australian Government: Department of Health. (2019). Retrived 29 July 2019. Retrived from
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-
n-recovgde-toc~mental-pubs-n-recovgde-app~mental-pubs-n-recovgde-app-
2~mental-pubs-n-recovgde-app-2-a
Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council. (2019). Retrieved 29 July 2019. Retrieved
from https://www.directory.gov.au/portfolios/health/australian-health-ministers-
advisory-council
Eide, A. H., Josephsson, S., & Vik, K. (Eds.). (2017). Participation in health and welfare
services: professional concepts and lived experience. Taylor & Francis.
Ellis, P., 2018. Leadership, management and team working in nursing. Learning Matters.
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D. (2015).a. Lived experience in teaching mental health nursing: Issues of fear and
power. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 24(1), 19-27.

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Happell, B., Bennetts, W., Tohotoa, J., Wynaden, D., & Platania-Phung, C. (2017).
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Mabe, P. A., Rollock, M., & Duncan, G. N. (2016). Teaching clinicians the practice of
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Mann, S.P., Bradley, V.J. and Sahakian, B.J., 2016. Human rights-based approaches to
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Murcia, S. E. A., & Lopez, L. (2016). The experience of nurses in care for culturally diverse
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