Nursing Activities in Child Psychiatry Care: A Qualitative Descriptive Study in French Context

Introduction: In France, child psychiatric care is delivered by multidisciplinary teams and often shaped by theoretical orientations such as psychoanalysis. However, little is known about the specific activities of nurses in this context, particularly in the different types of units. Aim/Question: This study aims to explore nursing activities in child psychiatry in France and identify the factors that influence them. Methods: This qualitative study involved 11 nurses. Three worked in a closed hospitalization unit, eight in an open care unit. Data were collected using observations followed by explanatory interviews, and semistructured interviews concerning influencing factors. Results: Nursing activities have often been described as vague and psychologically inspired. Nurses linked their actions to implicit decision‐making, shaped by organizational constraints, team dynamics, and children’s behaviors. The most frequently cited areas of practice are related to organizational and support roles. Nurses working with adolescents, particularly in open units, reported greater difficulty in being autonomous in their activities. Discussion: Nurses in child psychiatry are less well represented than educators or psychologists. In the interest of teamwork, some are influenced by the approaches adopted by the professionals of the institution. The age of accompanied children influences nursing activities, between support and organization. Their activities, not very visible, amplify a feeling of nonrecognition that decreases the attractiveness of child psychiatry. Limitations: The size of the sample ( n = 11) and the over‐representation of outpatient facilities may limit the generalizability of the results. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to better define and support nursing activities in child psychiatry in France. Increased recognition of nurses’ specific expertise, particularly in nontechnical skills and leadership, could help raise professional visibility and improve interdisciplinary collaboration.