Nurses' Clinical Work Experience during Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Occupational Health
• Maternity Studies

Background:

• The healthcare environment presents unique risks for pregnant nurses.
• Pregnancy itself induces physiological and psychological changes impacting work.
• Existing support systems for pregnant nurses in clinical settings are often inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and analyze the lived experiences of pregnant nurses in clinical work environments.
• To identify challenges and supportive factors influencing pregnant nurses' professional lives.
• To inform the development of effective maternity protection policies for nurses.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing in-depth interviews with 12 shift-working nurses.
• Data collected between January and June 2020 from nurses who had been pregnant within the last three years.
• Analysis of interview transcriptions and field notes using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.

Main Results:

• Six key categories emerged: "enduring alone," "organizational characteristics of nursing," "risky work environment," "strengths that sustain work during pregnancy," "growth as a nurse," and "methods to protect pregnant nurses."
• Pregnant nurses reported significant difficulties due to pregnancy-related changes.
• The clinical work environment often lacked sufficient support for pregnant nurses.

Conclusions:

• Pregnant nurses encounter substantial challenges in their clinical work.
• There is a critical need for improved organizational support and practical maternity protection policies.
• Findings can guide the implementation of better work guidelines to support pregnant nurses.