Nurses' job satisfaction in Maltese long-term care institutions : a Husserlian phenomenological study

Abstract

Nurses working in long-term care of older people are faced with doing routine tasks, and working with the same residents all year round. The aim of this study is to discover the lived experience of enrolled and staff nurses working with older people being placed in such a work environment. This study was planned using a phenomenological theory as influenced by Husserl. The focus of Husserlian phenomenology is that human experience is based on perceptions and the ways in which human beings ascribe meaning to what they experience. The researcher in this study does not take a position and as a result does not subscribe to a specific view. Bracketing was achieved by not looking at literature prior to data collection. This has helped to avoid directing respondents towards a predefined answer. Respondents were asked to verify transcribed interviews, and research supervisor to be a critical reader to ensure that a priori position is not taken. The respondents could confirm that the interpretation to what they actually said in the interview was correct and was not changed by the researcher. This study was conducted in one of the largest residence for the elderly in Malta with a total of 1033 residents. Ten nurses from ten different units within the residence were interviewed. Interviews lasted for one, to one and a half hours each. Nurses were asked to describe phenomena, as they are experienced. The respondents had the freedom to respond in any way they felt is right for them. According to their response, questions were extended and refocused on job satisfaction. Interviews were transcribed and analysed manually and the main terms identified and categorised. Rough codes identified became categories when similar experiences or explanations offered by other participants were identified. Due to limitations with the sample size, findings cannot be generalised to the whole nursing population, but gives a good idea of what may be the cause of job satisfaction/dissatisfaction within the residence. This study has revealed the feeling of uncertainty or low self-esteem by respondents. Long-term care paradoxically requires commitment and hard work but which challenges the practitioner less than a fast changing acute adult care. Management should find a solution to the problem of staff shortage impeding staff vacation leave. Continued professional development should focus on nursing staff needs rather then organisational needs.