Professional Self-Realisation of Diabetes Nurse Practitioners: A Descriptive Study Using Quantitative and Qualitative Data.

INTRODUCTION To examine the personal characteristics, promoting factors and organisational barriers to the professional realisation of diabetes nurse practitioners in Israel. DESIGN A descriptive study using quantitative and qualitative data. METHODS The participants self-completed an electronic questionnaire, which included questions on demographic and professional characteristics and a self-realisation questionnaire constructed by the authors. Researcher-led focus groups were conducted, guided by a semi-structured guide. The discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed by qualitative methods. RESULTS Forty-one diabetes nurse practitioners (median age 50 years, 98% females) participated in the study. On average, the participants reported a relatively high self-realisation of their professional role, especially those who have been working in this role for many years. While some of them work independently and are supported by their organisation, their managers and other healthcare team members, specifically physicians, many feel that there are barriers to the full implementation of the role and achieving professional realisation. These include multitasking challenges and insufficient remuneration. Self-realisation was viewed by the participants as an opportunity to provide excellent care to patients as well as being professional beyond caring for patients. They wanted to expand their knowledge as well as guide and teach. Furthermore, they also associated self-realisation with the autonomy to carry out procedures and make decisions independently of physicians. Internal motivation was perceived as an important factor for personal self-realisation, which stems from personal creativity, aspiration for excellence, a subjective sense of freedom, self-guidance, desire for self-development and aspiration for personal growth at the highest levels. CONCLUSION Recognition and fostering of diabetes nurse practitioners' role contribute to nurses' self-realisation and professional growth. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION Personal and organisational factors should be aligned to support diabetes nurse practitioners in delivering high-quality care to patients with diabetes. REPORTING METHOD COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.