Nurses' experience of caring for patients in forensic care : A qualitative interview study

Sammanfattning: Working in forensic psychiatric care might be challenging in different ways due to that the patients are not there by their own volition and they also have a serious mental disease. This study aims to describe nurses experience of working in forensic care.  A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. The data were collected through interviews and were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. Participants in this study were eleven nurses in Sweden. Inclusion criteria for the study were registered nurses with or without specialist education in psychiatric care. They should have worked in the same location for at least six months and worked in a closed forensic care facility.  The result showed five main themes. The importance of being professional; The importance of building a trustful relationship; To care for patients with jurisdiction and with force; Challenges to handle and Lack of knowledge. One of the main findings was how the relationship between nurse and patient was built and what experience nurses have in different situations.  The findings showed that nurses in forensic care are exposed to many challenges in their work. To stay professional and at the same time be open can be difficult. The study showed that it is important with a good relationship with the patient. Participants highlighted the importance of being aware of the power they have and actively reflecting on how their power was used.