Purpose: To determine the changes in attitudes toward the inclusion of a cardiometabolic health nurse for the physical healthcare management of people with serious mental illness following a 6-month trial.
Design and methods: Repeated survey of nurses working in a regional mental health facility.
Findings: Nurses working in mental health were initially supportive of the role. A 6-month trial of a cardiometabolic health nurse in the workplace reduced ambivalence and increased positivity toward the role.
Practice implications: Reduced ambivalence and improved positivity toward the role may facilitate less organization resistance to the implementation of a cardiometabolic health nurse in the mental healthcare setting. Specialized training and role recognition may be needed to further support this role.
Keywords: Attitudes; cardiometabolic health; mental health nursing; nursing practice.
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