specialing /spesh′əling/ , (Informal) 1. (in psychiatric nursing) the constant attendance of a professional staff member on a disturbed patient to protect the patient from harming the self or others and to observe the patient’s behavior. The patient so cared for is accompanied in all activities by the staff member. 2. (in nursing) the giving of nursing care to only one person, such as that given by a private duty nurse or a nurse caring for a patient whose needs are so great that the nurse is required at all times.
