Abstract
D.Cur.
This research aims to develop a model for debriefing for the advanced psychiatric
nurse practitioner to enable her to support the nurse involved in the termination of
pregnancy. This research also aims to generate guidelines for the operationalising of
the developed model. The model developed is envisaged to enhance the development of the nurse involved in the termination of pregnancy into a reflexive and mentally healthy person. The transition for a minority government and "Apartheid" regime in South Africa to a democratically elected government in 1994 required the revision of health practices.
The World Health Organisation adheres to a strong ethical frame of reference, which
includes respect for individuals' choices regarding their personal health. To promote
and enhance the health and quality of life for women in South Africa, the Bill on the
Freedom of Choice to Terminate a Pregnancy (Bill no. 92 of 1996) was promulgated.
The nurse involved in the termination of pregnancy, experiences inner powerlessness and tiredness because of internal conflict and loss of internal control. These feelings are centred around the inability to convince women, who decide to terminate a pregnancy, not to continue with the procedure. She is continually confronted with feelings of sadness and anger. She does not allow herself to give vent to these feelings, nor does she share them with other people. The nurse involved in the termination of pregnancy continuously contests her own religious beliefs, which thus result in feelings of guilt. She copes with these feelings by using ineffective psychological defence mechanisms, such as rationalisation with regard to the involvement with the termination of pregnancy, distancing herself from the situation by facilitating inadequate interpersonal skills, and the repression of her feelings concerning the termination of pregnancy.