Barriers to implementing a nursing clinical development unit

Tbe available literature bas identified Nursing Clinical Development Units as a strategy to promote, and bring about cbanges in, nursing practice. While the literature has also identified a number if barriers to the effectiveness of Nursing Clinical Development Units, very little of this research has been under-taken in a mental health environment. This paper presents findings from a qualitative evaluation if a Nursing Clinical Development Unit Program specifically targeted at the mental health field. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants if this program (n = 14). Data analysis reveals the following barriers: not enougb resources; grasping the concept staff turnover; and staff resistance.