[Firefighter nurse, a twofold commitment]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Emergency Medical Services
• Nursing Professions

Background:

• The dual role of firefighter and nurse presents a unique career path.
• Understanding motivations for this specialized profession is crucial for recruitment and retention.
• Factors influencing career choice in high-stress, public service roles require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted reasons individuals pursue a career as a firefighter nurse.
• To identify key individual, familial, and professional factors influencing this career decision.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of personal and professional motivations.
• Exploration of socio-professional influences on career choice.
• Examination of the impact of emergency characteristics and professional environment.

Main Results:

• Individual and family history significantly shape the decision to become a firefighter nurse.
• External factors, including social expectations and the nature of emergency response, play a reinforcing role.
• Professional aspects like autonomy, hierarchy, and positive emotional experiences are key attractors.

Conclusions:

• The firefighter nurse role is often a calling rooted in personal background and a desire to serve.
• A combination of intrinsic motivations and extrinsic professional characteristics drives career selection.
• Understanding these motivations can inform strategies for supporting and recruiting these vital professionals.