Uncovering hope with clients who have psychotic illness

This article presents findings about how community mental health nurses enable young adult clients who have schizophrenia uncover hope for the future. Grounded theory methodology and simultaneous data collection and analysis took place using interviews and observations. The study was undertaken in the community in regional and rural New South Wales, Australia, and the participants were clients, significant others, and community mental health nurses. The study findings show that nurses used two main strategies to uncover hope: enhancing motivation and developing pathways to wellness. These activities have to be seen within the context of good nurse-client relationships, advancing client self-determination, education, and planning for the future. The process of uncovering hope can be compromised for various reasons. The findings highlight the importance of hope for clients with schizophrenia and the way in which nurses can enable the process.