Iranian nurses' experience of "being a wrongdoer": A phenomenological study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Nursing errors can compromise patient safety and negatively impact nurses' emotional well-being.
• The subjective experience of
• being a wrongdoer
• is a significant factor affecting nurses' professional lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences and the meaning of
• being a wrongdoer
• for Iranian nurses.
• To understand the emotional and psychological impact of nursing errors on healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight nurses in Tehran, Iran.
• Thematic analysis, following Van Manen's methodology, was used to analyze the interview data.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: "wandering in unpleasant feelings," "wandering in the conscience court," "being arrested in time," "time for change," and "spiritual exercise."
• These themes highlight the complex emotional journey, self-reflection, and potential for professional development following errors.
• Subthemes revealed experiences of guilt, self-blame, victimhood, and the emergence of accountability and learning.

Conclusions:

• The experience of
• being a wrongdoer
• encompasses both negative and positive aspects, offering avenues for professional growth.
• Findings align with self-reconciliation models and the "second victim" theory, emphasizing the importance of support and learning.
• Nursing managers can leverage these experiences to foster accountability, promote learning, and enhance the quality of nursing care.