RNs Experiences of Enactment of Psychotherapy Act, 2007: A Mixed Methods Study

The College of Nurses of Ontario will comply with the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 by requiring nurses to initiate psychotherapy by an order from a physician or NP. This study examines the possible constraints to RN psychotherapy service delivery. Quantitative and qualitative date were gathered from 23 RNs using Barretts PKPKCT to measure power of participants experience for the anticipated regulatory change. Findings revealed concerns that RNs ability to practice psychotherapy would likely be negatively affected due to loss of autonomy, uncertainty and ambiguity. Research evidence has shown loss of autonomy and ambiguity in working environments is consistent with the findings in this study. Bureaucratic barriers to public access to RN psychotherapy, and the consequences of demoralization, devalued status and uncertainty regarding the changes to RNs practice are emotional factors that predict reduced ability for RNs to serve the already insufficient mental health care services in Ontario.