Students' Perceptions of the Psychological Well-Being of a Transgender Client Through Simulation.

Abstract

The need to address mental health concerns for transgender clients is imperative. Nursing curricula must prepare students to provide holistic care for individuals within this community. The purpose of this study was to explore undergraduate nursing students' experiences providing mental health care for a transgender client through simulation. Focus group interviews were conducted with data analyzed using content analysis. The three categories that emerged were limited experience addressing mental health needs, intervening with client anxiety with the subcategories of prioritizing care and collaboration, and therapeutic nurse-client relationship with the subcategory of therapeutic communication. Nursing students must be prepared to provide holistic care for transgender individuals. Simulation allowed students to assess the client and evaluate their therapeutic communication in a safe learning environment. Further understanding of mental health care needs of transgender clients is essential for the promotion of their well-being. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(12):741-744.].