Nurses' experiences of working while pregnant: A qualitative descriptive study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing and Healthcare
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Healthcare work environments present significant occupational hazards affecting nurse well-being and patient care.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the impact of these hazards on pregnant nurses and their postpartum return experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore registered nurses' (RNs) experiences working during pregnancy and their return to work postpartum.
• To specifically investigate their encounters with the work environment and associated occupational hazards.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive design was employed to capture nurse experiences.
• Twenty nurses in direct patient care roles across the U.S. participated in virtual semi-structured interviews.
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using deductive and inductive content analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified occupational hazards during pregnancy and postpartum include exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, physical demands, chemicals, patient violence, and medications.
• Nurses expressed a need for support and modifications to avoid hazards, a desire to be 'supernurses,' and fear of exposure consequences.
• Inconsistent work modifications led to nurses performing hazardous tasks, potentially risking their health and their baby's.

Conclusions:

• The scope of occupational hazards for pregnant nurses is broader than previously recognized, impacting both maternal and fetal health.
• Pregnant nurses require early education on hazards and necessary workplace modifications from healthcare providers.
• Healthcare systems and policymakers must acknowledge and address these occupational hazards, supporting pregnant nurses with appropriate modifications.