Robin Muchetu Health and Gender Editor
88 psychiatric nurses are set to graduate at Ingutsheni Central Hospital today, as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its mental health care capacity amid growing concerns over drug and substance abuse.
The nurses, who trained under the hospital’s Department of Mental Health Education, are graduating at a ceremony that also includes a prize-giving programme.
Psychiatric nursing plays a critical role in mental health care, with trained professionals equipped to assess, treat and support people living with mental health conditions.
Their specialised skills include mental health assessments, managing psychiatric and behavioural disorders, therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology and medication management.
Psychiatric nurses also provide crisis intervention, conduct suicide and risk assessments, support people affected by addiction and substance use disorders, and offer psychological and social interventions, as well as care and rehabilitation for people living with mental illness.
The graduation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with drug and substance abuse, highlighting the importance of strengthening specialised skills and services to meet growing mental health needs.
@NyembeziMu
