In conclusion, this essay has reviewed the history of psychiatric nursing and the SPNA in an attempt to answer questions regarding its role in the mental health field; the obstacles the Association faced; and, how it saw itself and was seen by outside parties.

From 1930 to 1972, psychiatric nurses saw many changes in the mental health field which affected the work they did and the training they took. Saskatchewan was a leader in the mental health field, particularly after 1944, and as changes took place psychiatric nurses adapted by developing new skills. Their acquisition of new skills is an important and possibly controversial one. But given the history presented here, it can be argued that as mental health trends changed so did the training and work of psychiatric nurses. Their skills increased from purely custodial in nature to interactive group and drug therapy and then to community-based psychiatric nursing.

The work of the SPNA was integral in facilitating these increased skill levels for its members. While in general the Association had the support of the provincial government, this was most apparent when the CCF was in power. In 1944, T. C. Douglas had a clear agenda to improve health care in the province. Particularly he was committed to improving mental health, and as Premier as well as Minister of Public Health it was apparent that he wanted to personally direct these improvements. His agenda called for establishing a socialized medical care system and improving the care of the mentally ill. This required progressive action and as a result, psychiatric nurses benefited from his government's support. The government took steps to improve conditions for the mentally ill by implementing the training program for psychiatric nurses, and by supporting their request to establish a professional organization. After all, this was to be a clear signal that it was fulfilling its election promises. The establishment of the SPNA -- the first professional psychiatric nursing association in Canada ' was one step in the direction of improving health care.

The Liberal government which succeeded the CCF in 1964, although recognizing the interests of the SPNA, had quite a different agenda. By 1968, the economy began to stagnate, and the government needed to curtail expenditures. This had effects on psychiatric nurses in two ways. The first was that cost-cutting measures were sure to include the closure of the mental hospitals in Weyburn and North Battleford. Secondly, if this happened, the training programs would need to be relocated. The SPNA worked hard to prevent these actions by the government, but it became apparent that the government was committed to them. Although more sophisticated in presenting its case, the SPNA was defending a position which, to this government anyway, was out of step with what it believed should happen. In the end, it could be argued, the SPNA had limited control over decisions and actions which were, for the most part, political.

In most historical studies of professions, the professional group is studied in relation to the larger context such as politics, social conditions, or in relation to developments in the field to which it belonged, and not as it related to other professional groups. Both of these elements have been included in this study because to provide a true account of the professionalization and growth of the SPNA, the effect of its relationship with the SRNA must be included.

The point could be argued that the animosity between the SPNA and the SRNA was merely the result of 'turf wars'. Indeed, it was a 'turf war', with the SPNA protecting its professional status and its autonomy, and the SRNA thinking psychiatric nurses should fall under its own umbrella of control. The nature of this relationship cannot be underestimated, particularly as it relates to the professional development of the SPNA. Because of this animosity, it could be argued that the SPNA had two main adversaries. The SRNA constantly questioned the quality of psychiatric nursing training and the fact that the work they did was actually nursing. The second was the psychiatric nurses' own internal struggle with their identity and self-image. This struggle is evident throughout the Association's history. The result of constantly being put into a defensive position by the SRNA shadowed the development of the SPNA. Even though they believed their work was that of a nurse in the true sense of the word, the doubts cast upon their professional status caused them to second guess their role as equal to that of the general nurse.

Nonetheless, psychiatric nurses maintained their status throughout the period and indeed were equal partners in the planning for a better mental health system. The work they did was integral to the system and to the care of their patients. They used everything in their power to influence decisions outside of their control. Where inquiries were related to a better mental health care system, the rights of their members, improved training for their members or planning for the future, their voice was always heard. Even though they did not always agree with the final decisions taken, they realized they were for the betterment of care for the mentally ill. Therefore, in the final analysis, they could be seen as valid mental health care professionals.