Nursing and caring: a personal construct theory study of some nurses' self-perceptions

This report outlines the results of a survey of trained nurses' perceptions about themselves as professional carers. Twenty-five nurses of charge nurse grade were interviewed using Kelly's personal construct theory and repertory grid technique. Nurses were asked to elicit eight bipolar constructs and to rate eight elements, including a 'myself as a carer' element and an 'ideal self as a carer' element, on a seven-point rating scale. A simple difference score was calculated to measure the degree of discrepancy between these two elements. Observed differences were assumed to be indicative of the need for personal change. Differences emerged for each of the 25 informants. Some possible explanations for these findings are provided, in particular the personal cost of caring for the carer is emphasized. Further research in this area must take account of this new finding.