Several studies show that the clinical reality in psychiatric care does not correspond to the demand of consumer participation from a variety of policy documents that has been produced recently. Studies also show that there is a lot to do in improving, patients with sever mental illness, becoming more involved in their own care. The nurse has a central role in this work. The Norwegian nursing theorist Jan-Kåre Hummelvolls holistic, existentialistic model for psychiatric nursing were used as theoretical ground.

The aim of this study was to examine how nurses in psychiatric outpatient units, caring for patients with psychotic disorders, experiences consumer participation.

Qualitative phenomenological method was used. Semi-structured interviews with six nurses caring for patients suffering from psychotic disorders in outpatient units were conducted. The interviews were recorded and transcript by the author and then analyzed using qualitative content analyze.

Two themes were identified: To follow the road chosen by the patient and When consumer participation risks failing. The result of this study shows that there are several factors that influences nurses job to involve patients in their care. The interviews also showed that there were areas where consumer participation was more problematic.

To share a decision with the patient is a way to improve consumer participation. Shared decision making is a complicated process where the nurse needs support to succeed. In pharmacological issues nurses must continue working with consumer participation.