In this study, we present our nursing experience in an intensive care unit (ICU) and an ordinary ward with a patient who had suffered a head injury in a traffic accident. On the basis of Gordon’s eleven types of health functions, we integrated bed side observation, listening, communication and interviews in order to evaluate the patient. The major problems presented by the patient included: (1) acute pain syndrome, (2) sleep pattern disturbance and (3) posttraumatic stress syndrome. The physical pain was relieved by attention transfer, and skeletal muscle massage. The duration of sleep was maintained at four hours by physiological feedback and adequate exercise before sleep, which provided a means of accelerating sleep and encouraging suitable exercise. Encouraging the patient to participate in the interactions, sharing and discussion that occurred during group activities ought to be the most effective non-medical treatment for post-traumatic stress syndrome.