The Experiences of Jordanian Employed Women in Health Sector after Returning from Maternity Leave a Qualitative Study

Background: Women have played a very important part in the labor force and the term “feminization” has become very common in workplace. In Jordan the latest figures of the Public Institution for Social Security for the year 2012 indicate that the proportion of women who were involved in the organization has been nearly 25% of all the organization participants, many factors influence the levels of women’s economic activity and which include both the legal frameworks and the socio-cultural perceptions (Department of Statistics, 2013). Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of worked women in hospitals after returning to work from maternity leave by focusing on (motherhood, family relationships, and role dynamics). Methods: The descriptive phenomenology as a qualitative research design was adopted to describe the lived experiences of Nineteen Jordanian working women in the health sectors after returning from maternity leave it was selected purposefully from four hospitals in two Jordanian cities were willing to participate in this study. Findings: Illustrate four main themes: A new life with burdens, errands and tasks, Eager and keen to sleep, Experiencing diverse emotions and experiencing the feeling of guilt, Requirements of multi roles mother (mothering/working): A trusted daycare, support system at home, and support system at work. Conclusion: The transition to workplace after maternity leave needs some planning in order to facilitate their returning and achieve a high level of workfamily balance. Implication for nursing and health policy: Healthcare manager and policymakers call for to reconsider the period after child birth and maternity leave for the Jordanian working women. Extended the maternity leave to 5-6 month would positively affect the women’s productivity at work and create new ways to achieving a breast feeding continuity and strengthening the mother’s and children’s health as well as the bond between them.