We are different: the voices of psychiatric advanced practice nurses on the performance of their roles

Background: Many studies have affirmed that psychiatric advanced practice nurses (APNs) perform multifaceted roles. However, only a limited amount of research has been conducted on their perceptions of the performance of their roles. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of psychiatric APNs concerning the performance of their roles. Design: Data were collected from individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Methods: The study was conducted in a hospital cluster in Hong Kong. Thirteen psychiatric APNs were purposively recruited. Results: Three themes were discerned, namely, ‘We are different’, ‘Who am I?’, and ‘I am who I am’. Conclusions: The findings can help psychiatric APNs and nurse administrators to better understand the needs of the role-bearers (APNs) and to develop strategies to support the development of advanced psychiatric nursing practices in Hong Kong and worldwide.