BACKGROUND: Psychiatric nurses play a crucial role in patient recovery processes, and their attitudes during these processes can directly influence the recovery of individuals with mental illness. However, the concept of recovery in psychiatric disorders is perceived differently among nurses, which, in turn, can affect the patient's recovery trajectory. This study aims to explore and investigate the perspectives, thoughts and experiences of nurses working in psychiatric clinics about recovery in mental illnesses. METHODS: The study was conducted between September and December 2021 at a Mental and Neurological Illness Hospital. This research is a qualitative study employing conventional content analysis, with data collected during the same period. Fifteen psychiatric nurses were selected as participants using the snowball sampling method. Data collection was carried out through individual, in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed according to the approach outlined by Graneheim and Lundman (Nurse Educ Today 24(2):105-12, 2004), which facilitated the identification of participants' perspectives. MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software was used to assist with the analysis of interview data. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four main themes: defining recovery, and the factors that aid recovery, roles of psychiatric nursing. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that psychiatric nurses are hopeful about patient recovery, stating that treatment and care, along with supporting the patient and facilitating their reintegration into the community, are essential to achieve recovery.