Edinburgh Napier University

  This article explores the reasons why mental health nurses in Scotland have been slow to engage with nurse prescribing. Although much of this has been blamed on practical and organizational issues, it is also possibly indicative of a more subtle agenda. In order to support this position, an analysis of biology and psychopharmacology of mental illness is presented. It is suggested that as a result of philosophically incongruent positions some mental health nurses may view the therapeutic relationship as being discrete from medical intervention. Some nurses may consequently be reluctant to prescribe treatments they do not see as part of the nursing role. It is argued that this should not be the case.