Prescribing by mental health nurses: the UK perspective

PURPOSE. This article aims to discuss the growth of mental health nurse (MHN) prescribing in the United Kingdom as an exemplar for readers to compare progress in their own countries and context. This study also aims to provide a historical overview of this process in the United Kingdom where MHNs prescribe safely and competently.

CONCLUSIONS. Finally, evidence has shown that MHNs with prescriptive authority are competent when prescribing when compared to psychiatrists.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Despite organizational barriers and educational concerns, MHN prescribing is becoming embedded in the healthcare context in the United Kingdom