The primary purpose of this study was to identify Jordanian nurses’ perceptions of their roles toward the families of hospitalised critically ill patients. Second, to examine the relationship between nurses’ role expectations and perceived role performance toward the families of hospitalised critically ill patients. A descriptive, correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 127 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses was recruited from ICUs located in four different hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected using a demographic data form, a Role Performance Subscale with 19 items and a Role Expectation Subscale with 14 items. Results indicated that Jordanian ICU nurses expected and performed interventions that required more time, emotion and communication skills less than interventions that required less time, emotion and communication skills.