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From the Other Side of the Bed: Lived Experiences of Registered Nurses as Family Caregivers
Jamie L Jones1, Claudia Barone, Lana M Brown
1University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock (Drs Jones, Barone, Wright, Mitchell, and Ray); and VISN 16 Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock (Dr Brown).
Background:
To provide patient- and family-centered care, health care providers must understand the caregiver experience. Evidence suggests that registered nurses functioning as family caregivers (RNFCs) may have unique experiences and challenges.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of RNFCs during an adult family member's episode of care in the southern United States.
Methods:
A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to describe the essence of the RNFC experience throughout an episode of care. Twenty-five participants were recruited for semistructured, audio-recorded interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive data analysis and constant comparison techniques.
Results:
Participants were predominantly female (88%). The essence of the phenomenon was dual roles. Five themes emerged: (1) blurring the boundaries, (2) revealing my identity, (3) having insider knowledge, (4) managing expectations, and (5) learning from my experience.
Conclusions:
While caregiver experiences may be similar, RNFCs struggle with dual roles of registered nurse and caregiver, occasionally blurring boundaries of care.
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