Nurses' networks: obstacles and challenge

Occupational cohesiveness and network formation among nurses are widely advocated as logical solutions to practical problems and as sources of emotional support. However, actual nurses' networks have not been studied. As part of a larger study, this report analyzes the social support networks of 35 psychiatric nurses. The nurses, who were employed in a large public hospital, were studied as individuals who had private as well as occupational roles. Properties, significance, and articulation of private and public portions of networks were examined for patterns that correlated with characteristics of the nurses. Evidence of significant barriers to practice-level relationships among nurses is presented. Realistic expectations for development of effective networks require management of those obstacles.