Experiences of nurses managing parenthood and career: A systematic review and meta-synthesis

Consolidate and synthesize evidence on working nurse-parent experiences of parenthood.

Demands in healthcare strain the workforce, causing burnout and high turnover rates, especially among nurses. Balancing work and family responsibilites is even more challenging for nurse-parents.

Nursing is highly stressful, and the experiences of nurse-parents are under-researched highlighting the need to better understand and support nurse-parents in their dual roles.

Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for published and unpublished primary qualitative studies. Extracted data were meta-summarized and synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso's approach.

Twelve peer-reviewed studies, conducted between 2007 and 2022, investigated the challenges faced by 339 female nurse-parents across various countries. The meta-synthesis revealed two main themes: (a) Clashes of dual roles, and (b) Accept, adapt, and compromise, which were supported by six subthemes. Nurse-parents struggled with dual roles, often neglected self-care, and experienced work-family conflicts. However, they learned to accept their situations, adapt by seeking help from family, friends, and colleagues, and compromise on career aspirations to prioritize their families. The importance of organizational support and flexibility in accommodating their dual roles was emphasized.

Female nurse-parents face challenges in balancing their dual roles, resulting in fatigue, compromised self-care, and limited social interactions. The culture of self-sacrifice in nursing contributes to these challenges, impacting patient safety. Supportive interventions like mindfulness programs and exercise classes can promote well-being. Staffing shortages and shift work further affect the work-life balance for nurse-parents.

Creating a supportive work environment for nurse-parents is crucial. Family-friendly shifts revised parental leave policies, and improved childcare support are needed. Supporting nurse-parents benefits their well-being and enhances patient care. Collaboration between healthcare organizations and policymakers is essential to address workforce shortages and implement changes.