D.Cur. / The goal of this research was to generate and describe a support approach for the advanced practitioner in psychiatric nursing to utilize for the neonatal intensive care nurse, working in a neonatal intensive care unit, in order to promote, to maintain and to restore mental health as integral part of health. Many changes occurred in the health care industry during the twentieth century. In South Africa, health care and social services that have developed, are grossly inefficient and inadequate. The Reconstruction and Development Program (R.D.P.), (1994:42-47), of the government of National Unity, designed therefore a number of programs to restructure the health care services , in order to contribute to the increasing prosperity and quality of life for all South Africans. Free health care has thus to be provided in the public sector for children under six, pregnant and nursing mothers. Free health care makes it more accessible for thousands of people who have avoided seeking help in the past, because of lack of funds. This large influx of patients to health facilities has placed a strain on staff, due to the increased workload. The neonatal intensive care nurses' workload and responsibilities have thus increased.