The lived experience of nurses working in geriatric care : a qualitative study

Abstract

The main intention for this study was to explore the nurses' lived experience while working in geriatric care. This study focused on geriatric nurses working in a private Care Home. Two factors: job satisfaction and work stress were also taken into account whilst understanding the nurses' meaning of life. Qualitative research was adopted for this study and four semi-structured interviews were conducted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the four participants (3 females and 1 male) so as to keep the sample fair and homogenous. The participants were also recruited based on a selective criterion. Following the data collection, transcripts were analysed by the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and four superordinate themes emerged, each consisting of various subthemes. From an in-depth analysis of the findings, it emerged that geriatric nurses, despite facing considerable stressors arising from workload, shift limitations, the pandemic along the inevitability of death, the participants still derived a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction from their care and bond that they expressed to their patients. These findings, together with the other results were discussed in light of existing research studies along with expressing new findings. Finally, limitations of the study, recommendations, and suggestions for future studies were also put forward.