Nursing - A Work of Heart: An analysis of pediatric nurses' perceptions of their working situation.

Abstract: Title: Nursing - A Work of Heart: An analysis of pediatric nurses’ perceptions of their working situation. Hand-in Date: May 20th, 2022 Course: BUSN49 Degree Project in Managing People, Knowledge and Change, 15 credits Authors: Ásthildur Emma Ástvaldsdóttir & Molly Backman Supervisor: Stefan Sveningsson Keywords: pediatric nurses, professionalism, emotions, identity, identity work Research Question: How do pediatric nurses perceive and cope with their working situation? Purpose: The research study aims to create a deeper understanding of how pediatric nurses perceive their working situation and how it affects them. Furthermore, we intend to give insight to what the role as a pediatric nurse really entails, apart from the work tasks. Hence, the study aims to contribute empirically, but also theoretically to the concept of identity by investigating pediatric nurses’ personal experiences. Methodology: The ontological approach of the study is social constructionist, an interpretative epistemology, and an abductive research approach. To answer the research question and fulfill the purpose, a qualitative research study has been done with semi-structured interviews with eight pediatric nurses and assistant nurses. Theoretical Perspective: The literature review presents previous research regarding professionalism and professional work, followed by research on emotional labor, both in the context of nurses. Thereafter, the concepts of identity and identity work are introduced. Empirical Foundation: The empirical findings regarding the pediatric nurses’ experiences of their working situation is presented. This is followed by an analysis of how the nurses’ experiences can be interpreted as if the working situation is undermining the ability to maintain a coherent role. The identity work of pediatric nurses is further theorized into five new terms. Conclusion: The interviewed pediatric nurses are experiencing a paradox, where they experience multiple emotional threats to their identity as a nurse due to the working situation, yet the working situation is also what helps them maintain their self-esteem and certainty, and thus their identity.