Principles of Psychiatric Nursing

1. Acceptance- accept patient unconditionally but reject maladaptive behaviour.

2. Anything which increases the client’s anxiety should be avoided.

3. Consistency can be used therapeutically to contribute to patient’s security. Consistency and setting limits are the building block of psychiatric nursing.

4. Change in the client’s behaviour is not brought by reason but by emotional experience.

5. Observation must be directed to the motivation of that particular behaviour.

6. Relationship with the client should be in realistic basis.

7. Reassurance must be given subtly and in manner acceptable to the client. False reassurance and broken promises must not be done.

8. Self-understanding can be used as therapeutic tool.

9. Unique personal contribution.

10. Validate your observation.