Round the bend : a history of psychiatric nursing in Victoria

This feature length documentary explores the development of psychiatric nursing from the early colonial beginnings in 1848 through to the post-institutional present. The film commences with a montage of photos, film and narrative that documents the period until 1930s.

The period from the 1930s to the present is described chronologically in oral histories provided by personal interviews with psychiatric nurses. The interviews include a number of key psychiatric nurse leaders who were instrumental in bringing about significant changes to nursing practice and education, and were also at the forefront of leading major reforms to service delivery in Victoria such as the community mental health movement.

The oral histories provide an account of the history of this unique area specialty of nursing. At times confronting and challenging, the film also highlights the significant contribution of psychiatric nursing to the development of humanistic, person-centered philosophies of care in mental health. The narratives are woven together with photographs and film footage of historical artifacts and institutions.