Charting the Course of the Nursing Professional Identity: A Qualitative Descriptive Study on the Identity of Nurses Working in Care for Older Adults

Abstract

Aims: To explore and describe the meaning of nurses working in care for older adults give to the nursing professional identity. Design: A qualitative approach was taken. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 bachelor and vocational-educated nurses working in care for older adults. Interviews were conducted between December 2019 and May 2020. Data were analysed and interpreted through inductive content analysis. Results: Five themes embody the meaning of the nursing professional identity of nurses who work in care for older adults. The five themes are: born to care: a lifelong motivation to nursing; nursing through the noise: dedication in a demanding profession; the silent backbone: caught in the crossfire of interdisciplinary teams; learning under pressure: the demand for expanded nursing expertise and against the current: the barriers to advocacy in nursing. Conclusion: The professional nursing identity of nurses working in care for older adults is multi-faceted. A personal dedication to patient care, where patients ‘human’ aspect is heavily valued, commits nurses to their profession and underscores their dedication to upholding the quality standard in nursing practice. Implications for the Profession: The older adults' nursing identity highlights that nursing deserves acknowledgement as a professional occupation. Nurses should speak to the public about their professional roles to improve the public view of older adult nursing. Impact: A clear understanding of the older adult nursing professional identity clarifies specific roles, experiences and expectations. This can help attract and retain nurses whose views of older adult nursing align with the nursing professional identity. This could help resolve nurse turnover and reduce shortages in older adult care. Reporting Method: We adhered to Consolidated Criteria For Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.