[Current dynamics of nursing in Portugal: nurses' representations]

Area of Science:

• Nursing Studies
• Sociology of Health

Context:

• Qualitative study conducted in Evora, Portugal, April-May 2009.
• Involved twenty nurses providing narrative testimony.
• Focused on the professional landscape of Portuguese nursing.

Purpose:

• To identify nurses' perspectives on current professional dynamics.
• To explore evolutionary landmarks in Portuguese nursing.
• To understand the future outlook for the nursing profession in Portugal.

Summary:

• Nurses identified qualifications and the Nurses' Association as key to professional identity.
• Autonomy in daily care is acknowledged, but hegemonic power structures affect professional recognition.
• Future outlook reveals employment and career prospects with both hope and uncertainty.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of professional associations and continuous education for nursing identity.
• Underscores the ongoing challenges of power dynamics within healthcare teams.
• Provides insights into the evolving career paths and job security concerns for nurses.