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Psychiatric nurses often experience associative stigma. Associative stigma may impact psychiatric nurses' views of their professional identity which ultimately impacts the health care of individuals experiencing mental health concerns. Very little research has been conducted on associative stigma in the western Prairie Provinces, including Manitoba. The authors conducted a secondary analysis on the results of an explanatory sequential mixed methods research study to determine if psychiatric nurses in Manitoba are influenced by associative stigma. Three themes were identified through this analysis, specifically: (1) the perception that RPNs are not "Real" Nurses; (2) lack of recognition of specialized training; and (3) working with a stigmatized population. Associative stigma was intertwined in all of the participants' narratives indicating a need to dismantle associative stigma. Strategies to enhance the public perception of psychiatric nursing and decrease associative stigma within the profession are described.

A study regarding the role and uniqueness of psychiatric nursing was conducted with 94 participants from Manitoba, Canada. The primary theme of comprehensive knowledge of mental health, mental illness, and addictions was foundational for the application of the sub-themes of therapeutic relationship, holistic approach, recovery orientation, stigma reduction, and advocacy for change. Values, beliefs, and attitudes towards people with mental illness and addictions need to be instilled in psychiatric nursing students throughout their educational program to provide high quality, compassionate, and safe care. Implications for incorporation of the theme and sub-themes into psychiatric nursing curriculum are described in the paper.