Nursing strike, America, 2019: Concept analysis to guide practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Labor Relations
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• A 2018 nursing sympathy strike highlighted a lack of clear definitions for nursing strikes and sympathy strikes within the nursing workforce.
• Existing literature lacked a seminal article defining these terms, necessitating a formal concept analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a concept analysis to define "nursing strike" and "sympathy strike" for the nursing workforce.
• To establish clear definitions, antecedents, and consequences related to nursing labor actions.

Main Methods:

• The Hybrid Method of Concept Analysis was employed, integrating theoretical literature analysis with qualitative stakeholder interviews.
• A comprehensive review of 33 articles and 7 books was conducted, supplemented by nine in-depth interviews.

Main Results:

• A consensus was reached on the definition, antecedents, and consequences of nursing strikes through literature review and interviews.
• Nursing strikes in the U.S. were defined as a "last resort effort" involving work stoppage after bargaining failures.
• Interviews uniquely introduced the concept of a nurse's "duty to patients" during strikes, with model, contrary, and borderline cases presented.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a robust definition and framework for understanding nursing strikes and sympathy strikes.
• Recommendations for practice are offered to guide nurses, management, and policymakers regarding labor actions.