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This article describes nurses' experience of task-shifting from doctors in relation to the care of uncomplicated detoxification patients admitted to a psychiatric emergency clinic in Esbjerg. The detoxification patients, requiring observation and withdrawal treatment, constitute 20 per cent of all patients. Literature in respect of role convergence for psychiatric nurses is sparse, and work relating to task-shifting has been characterised by innovative think-ing, local conditions, theme days, contact with concerned authorities and study visits. The new tasks in relation to the care of uncomplicated detoxification patients have resulted in: 1) an introductory programme, which also functions as a training programme; 2) guidelines for health care staff in relation to patients undergoing detoxification; 3) guidelines for on-call doctors; 4) a new system of medical notes concerning the patient's alcohol abuse and social circumstances, including guidelines for completion of the form; 5) description of competencies for the registered nurse and healthcare assistants; 6) instructions for the nurse in charge and 7) various booklets for patients. The experience in this study has been that the convergence of roles has resulted in a more dynamic patient throughput - because patients can be dis-charged from the programme when they are ready. The patients receive more consistent information about their course of care and about provision of services for those with alcohol dependency within the region. The nurses have experienced an enhancement of their skill levels.

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