Reduced Ambivalence to the Role of the Cardiometabolic Health Nurse Following a 6-Month Trial

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.