A Phenomenological Study of Nursing Practice at a Psychiatric Ward

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the structure of their nursing practice from the experience of nurses working in a psychiatric ward with long-term hospitalized patients. The results of this study show that the interaction between nurses and patients was described with the following themes: “standing by the patient,” “approving of the patient,” “becoming family members of the patient,” and “waiting for the patient at the ward.” Such nursing practice comprised nurses’ deep understanding of patients, a mutual understanding between other professionals, and response from patients. It was considered that nursing practice reflecting the above themes is important as it constitutes the foundation of nursing activities and helped patients recover from psychiatric illnesses.