The meaning that pediatric nurses attribute to their profession: A phenomenological-hermeneutic study

Abstract

Purpose

To identify the meaning pediatric nurses assign to their profession, what they see as being a pediatric nurse, and the positive aspects and challenges of working as a pediatric nurse.

Materials and methods

This phenomenological-hermeneutic study involved 20 nurses working in pediatric clinics between January and April 2023. The maximum variation sampling method, which is a type of purposeful sampling, was used in the study. The “Personal Information Form” and “Semi-Structured Interview Form” created by the researchers were used to collect data for this study, for which ethics committee approval was obtained beforehand. In-depth individual interviews lasting approximately 30–45 min were conducted with pediatric nurses online via Zoom.

Results

Five themes were identified: factors that make care difficult, factors that make care easier, pediatric nurses' professional identity and strengths, values and approaches in childcare, and differences between pediatric and adult patients.

Conclusion

The study determined that pediatric nurses love their profession and are joyful when working with children. However, in interviews with pediatric nurses, nurses stated that factors related to children, parents, the nature of pediatric nursing, and the team affect the care they provide to children. Providing team support to pediatric nurses and fostering feelings of appreciation can make them feel valued and competent.

Practice implications

The results of this study can be used to empower nurses, especially in pediatric care, and to help improve the factors that influence care.