N urses working in mental health services at all levels are professionals who provide patients and their relatives with the care they need and accompany them on what can be a very challenging journey. Therefore, it is important that these nurses are equipped with knowledge and skills specific to this field. The general nursing literature indicates that advanced training and a large number of qualified nurses leads to better patient outcomes. The rates of mortality, duration of hospital stay, and readmission to hospital after discharge have been shown to decrease when the majority of nurses have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. [1][2][3] However, the literature specific to psychiatric care remains weak. Studies of psychiatric nursing have indicated that it is very common to see that nurse-patient staffing issues, a chaotic environment in acute settings, and a heavy workload prevent nurses from performing the optimal therapeutic interactions and activities in psychiatric units. [4][5][6] The majority of the international research on psychiatric health services has mainly focused on the number and qual-Objectives: Nurses are the backbone of the workforce in mental healthcare. However, profile studies of nurses working in mental health services are limited, and provide inadequate qualitative and quantitative evidence about the characteristics, roles and functions of nurses who work in psychiatric settings. The aim of this study was to examine and provide a profile of nurses working in Istanbul psychiatric care units. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used to analyze the personal characteristics, work conditions, and job-related experiences of 307 nurses working in psychiatric service units in Istanbul in 2018-2019. Data were collected using a 46-question digital survey of personal and professional experiences, services performed, and work conditions. Results: The nurses' responses revealed that they felt that the patient/nurse ratio was insufficient and that the physical environment was inadequate, there was a lack of sufficient safety, and insufficient support personnel. Nurses still fulfill a very traditional role in psychiatric settings.
Conclusion:This study illustrates some of the work-related concerns and experiences of nurses serving in psychiatric service units. A greater focus on personal, recovery-centered care according to evidence-based standards for the patient/nurse ratio and other international criteria and knowledge is needed.