The staff nurse overhears a group of novice nurses speaking about current events. One novice nurse states, "All of these school shootings should be proof that mentally ill patients cause all these violent acts." What is the staff nurse's best response?

Question

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4. Regardless of the cultural background, mental illness and treatment for mental health issues is fraught with misconceptions and stereotypes, resulting in stigma. The staff nurse who overhears the novice nurse display stigma should intervene by telling the novice nurse that, though those with mental illness may perpetrate violence, individuals without mental illness are equally likely to commit violence. While patients with mental illness need attention, these individuals are not the reason for all violent acts.

The Staff Nurse Overhears a Group of Novice Nurses Speaking