A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience of Double-Duty Nurse Caregivers

Double-duty nurse caregivers manage caregiving responsibilities within their professional nursing roles and in personal family caregiving contexts. This dual role often leads to complex challenges and conflicting demands between caregiving roles. Nurses who are family caregivers experience both professional and personal caregiving burdens and strains.

This study explored the experiences of double-duty nurses, highlighting the unique challenges they encounter.

This qualitative descriptive analysis explored the experiences of double-duty nurse caregivers through semi-structured interviews. Participants (n = 16) were recruited throughout the United States and interviewed via Zoom. Qualitative descriptive and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data.

Interviews from 16 participants were analyzed. Participants described their roles as a blessing and a curse, highlighting the emotional toll and professional fulfillment associated with caregiving. Major themes included (1) the nurse of the family; (2) family and professional caregiving conflicts; (3) better nurses for patients and family caregivers; and (4) dual support needs.

The study underscores the multifaceted challenges that double-duty nurse caregivers face and emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive support strategies. Interventions should address emotional resilience, financial stability, and access to supportive resources to mitigate burnout and sustain caregiving practices within the nursing profession. Nurses carrying both roles may need additional workplace, family, and community support to manage their caregiving roles.