topic: The use of psychoanalytic developmental ego psychology (PDEP) as a theoretical framework for understanding clinical material.methods: Thirty‐four students in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing provided data for analysis. Interview data were organized into case studies and analyzed.findings: PDEP provides a framework that is suitable for education and practice of advanced psychiatric nurses.conclusion: PDEP can provide a framework that is theory‐derived, outcome oriented, and suitable for a variety of clie