Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore psychiatric nurses’ decision making in the use of seclusion and restraint (SR). Methods: Data were collected using focus group interviews. Two focus group interviews were held with a total of 10 psychiatric nurse participants. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Eleven categories emerged from three main themes. All the themes describe factors that participants took into account when deciding whether to implement SR: 1) Personal factors area: ‘Personal attributes of nurses,’ ‘Attitude of nurses regarding SR,’ ‘Nurses’ physical and emotional states,’ ‘Negative experiences of nurses related to SR’; 2) Relational factors area: ‘The level of cooperation between nurses and doctors,’ ‘Role models created by seniors and colleagues,’ ‘The level of support by nursing assistants,’ ‘Therapeutic relations with patients’; and 3) Environmental factors area: ‘Poor nursing work environment,’ ‘Atmosphere of ward regarding SR,’ and ‘Social atmosphere to raise alarm about SR.’ Conclusion: These findings should be considered in the evaluation of the use of SR in psychiatric hospital settings and appropriate strategies used to help minimize the use of restraint.