The scary image of Nurse Ratchedstill colours our perception of psychiatric nursing, according to a new report, entitled Worthy, Not Worthwhile? Published by the Centre for Social Care Research at Waterford Institute of Technology, it finds that a career in psychiatric nursing is still a turn-off for most young people.

John Wells, lecturer in mental health and social care at Waterford Institute of Technology and co-author of the report, says the negative images couldn't be further from the truth.

Young people believe that "you are going to have your mental faculties assailed". Not true, says Wells. "You need the same degree of balance that you need for general nursing."