[Practice in a unit for difficult patients for students of nursing studies].

Units for difficult patients are secure psychiatric wards for people with mental health disorders who could have or who have displayed dangerous behaviour. In this article, four students in their 3rd year of nursing studies share their experience on such a ward during their practice placement at Cadillac general hospital. Their learning and discovery of nursing care alongside experienced professionals enabled them to develop their competencies and change their perception of psychiatry.