Nurses' experiences of ethnographic fieldwork

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Qualitative Methods
• Ethnography

Background:

• The integration of ethnography into nursing research necessitates an examination of nurses' fieldwork experiences.
• This article addresses the challenges encountered by nurses during ethnographic research processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on and analyze the experiences of nurses engaged in ethnographic fieldwork across three distinct studies.
• To explore the dilemmas and learning opportunities inherent in ethnographic research for nursing professionals.

Main Methods:

• A reflexive approach was employed, drawing on the authors' experiences in three ethnographic studies conducted in Brazil.
• Field diaries from each study were utilized to illustrate discussions on the research process.

Main Results:

• Key aspects of ethnographic research discussed include defining study aims, understanding anthropological theory, and managing fieldwork timelines.
• Challenges such as cultural context, bureaucracy, maintaining objectivity, and embracing 'anthropological doubt' were explored.

Conclusions:

• Ethnographic fieldwork offers nurses transformative experiences, underscoring the significance of relational aspects like dialogue, reflexivity, and negotiation.
• The insights gained from this research can enhance nurses' practical experience and competence in conducting ethnographic fieldwork.