Nurses' perception of identity, practice and support needed in primary care: A descriptive qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Primary Care
• Professional Identity

Background:

• Primary care registered nurses (PCRNs) play a vital role in patient care.
• Understanding their professional identity and practice perceptions is essential for optimizing their contribution.
• The support systems available to PCRNs require examination to ensure effective role performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the professional identity of primary care registered nurses (PCRNs).
• To understand PCRNs' perceptions of their practice.
• To identify the support needs of PCRNs for effective role performance.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive design utilizing inductive content analysis.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with 14 registered nurses in US primary care settings.
• Data analysis followed preparation, organizing, and reporting phases, adhering to COREQ guidelines.

Main Results:

• PCRN identity and practice were characterized by 'Wearing Multiple Hats,' 'Practicing Within Bounds,' and 'Change is a Part of Practice.'
• Support needs were categorized into 'Entering In,' 'Ongoing Support,' and 'Making it a Better Place.'
• Subcategories were identified within each main category, providing detailed insights.

Conclusions:

• PCRNs possess a unique professional identity and practice, requiring specific skills to navigate complex patient needs.
• Nurses entering primary care settings need tailored training and support to effectively fulfill their roles.
• Collaboration between healthcare leaders and PCRNs is vital for enhancing nursing practice and achieving optimal patient outcomes.