"We Are Only the Guests": How Home Hospice Nurses Experience Professional Identity Formation-A Qualitative Exploratory Study.

Abstract

This study examines the professional identity formation of home hospice nurses through a single-center qualitative exploratory study in Assisi Hospice Singapore. Home hospice nurses with at least 6 months of working experience were recruited. An independent research assistant conducted individual semi-structured interviews to explore the interplay between the home hospice care setting and the nurses' personal values and beliefs, and interprofessional relationships. The interviews were audio-recorded, and the transcripts were anonymized and thematically analyzed. Fifteen nurses completed the interviews, and 4 key themes emerged: (1) relationship between personal identity and professional identity formation, (2) influence of the working environment on professional identity, (3) opportunities for transformational growth, and (4) challenges to professional identity formation. Defining characteristics of the professional identity of home hospice nurses are described, along with a novel framework illustrating their experiences with identity formation. Nurturing this development through a supportive environment and meaningful interpersonal relationships may enhance patient care outcomes and foster the well-being of palliative care professionals.