How do nurse managers describe clinical nurses' work arrangements? A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The researcher sought to understand how nurse managers describe nurses in alternative work arrangements. Design: The researcher conducted this study using grounded theory. Method: Semi-structured interviews. A theoretical sample of 26 baccalaureate-prepared nurse managers located across the United States participated in the study. Results: A typology of five work arrangements provides descriptors that contribute toward greater conceptual clarity on nurses' work arrangements. The data reveal that the typology is fluid because nurses can easily switch across work arrangements. Because the rise in alternative work arrangements means that nurses can leave permanent positions—or explore different work arrangements—when circumstances permit or necessitate, nurses who do not receive continued mentoring will likely bring their deficiencies in skill and/or knowledge to facilities where they find future employment. Hence, inadequate mentoring at the unit level has practical consequences for the quality of patient care at the institutional level.