Nurses' perception of their psychological role in treating rehabilitation patients: a study employing the critical incident technique

Abstract

This study presents the theoretical literature on the psychological role of nurses. The nurses' perception of their psychological role is empirically obtained, employing the critical incident technique. General aims and objectives of pschological care of physically ill patients are formulated and are found to generally support the theoretical literature. Nurses were clearly found to perceive their psychological role as covering a very broad spectrum, the ultimate of which was the ability to anticipate and meet the emotional needs of the patient. The importance of implementing the application of social science concepts and methods to nursing is discussed.