This study was driven by a curiosity related to the utility of using western texts in teaching in Jordan. In these texts, the value of a practice grounded in the NPR is highlighted. Numerous psychiatric models of NPR have been established to guide nursing practices with patients. These models are greatly influenced by Western beliefs about human development, and reflect Western cultural values. In Jordan, where non-Western, Arab cultural values and beliefs prevail, one might question the application of Western models in teaching nursing practice in clinical situations. No study has been done to explore or challenge the use of these models in Jordan. As a first step, this study was conducted to determine, in behavioral terms, psychiatric nursing practices with Jordanian patients. It was designed to explore the nature of nursing practices and concerns, and their contribution to the development of psychiatric NPR within Arab culture in Jordan. Field research was conducted over a period of eighteen months during which the researcher observed, listened to, and talked with fourteen nurses in two psychiatric hospitals in Jordan. Data collection and analysis focused on emic (insiders) meanings and interpretations. The method of thematic analysis was used. Categories and themes emerged that described the practices of nurses in psychiatric settings in Jordan. Study findings revealed that Jordanian nurses emphasized the importance of the NPR but how this is achieved can be seen in the categories that have their roots in Jordanian worldview and cultural traditions. It involved the practices of monitoring patient's physical care, genuine relating, and teaching patients with an emphasis on giving advice and telling the patient and the family what to do. However not all practices were different from western practices. Nursing shared many common practices such as promoting patient's strength and keeping the patient safe from self and others. This research also focussed on several issues and constraints that characterize the conduct of research within Arab culture in Jordan. It was clear that understanding Western and Arab cultural differences is of paramount importance in conducting research in Arab culture. This study demonstrated the need to include and emphasize culture-specific care practices in nursing education. The nurses in this study showed some of their culture-specific care practices. It is increasingly important for nurses to not only know and understand culture, but also to know culture-specific care values and practices.