What school nurses receive for themselves that influences their remaining in practice: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Studies
• Work-Life Balance Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Previous research links nurse retention to personal benefits received.
• Norwegian school nurses show high retention rates, but reasons are understudied.
• This study explores factors influencing school nurses' decision to remain in practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and interpret what school nurses receive personally that influences their practice retention.
• To understand the core elements of a good work-life for school nurses.
• To identify specific affirmations that contribute to job satisfaction and longevity in school nursing.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative design employing a hermeneutic approach.
• Individual interviews conducted twice with 15 Norwegian school nurses.
• Phenomenological hermeneutic analysis of interview data.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: 'Gaining interesting workdays' and 'Attaining pleasure'.
• 'Interesting workdays' included an attractive scope of practice and varied tasks.
• 'Attaining pleasure' involved being trusted and receiving positive responses.
• These themes represent the locus of a good work-life, centered on affirmation for ordinary work and professional identity.

Conclusions:

• Personal benefits and affirmation significantly influence school nurses' retention.
• The findings specify that affirmation for daily work and professional identity are crucial for job satisfaction.
• Understanding the locus of a good work-life is vital for retaining nurses in practice.