Becoming a Family and Community Nurse: Navigating Role Identity in a Fragmented System. A Phenomenological Study

In Italy, the Family and Community Nurse (FCN) was officially recognized with Legislative Decree 34/2020 and redefined by Ministerial Decree 77/2022. The introduction of the FCN has been inconsistent across the nation, leading to fragmented experiences and challenges in fully integrating the role into the healthcare system. Based on Cohen's hermeneutic approach, this phenomenological study explores the lived experiences and meaning of being an FCN in Italy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2023 to June 2024. Interviews were transcribed, read in-depth and analyzed. Thirty-seven FCNs from four Italian regions were interviewed. Four main themes were identified: (a) Navigating elderly care complexity; (b) Education as a core function; (c) Being a node in the healthcare network; (d) Establishing the FCN identity through role differentiation. Being a FCN means managing complex needs, ensuring continuity of care, and collaborating effectively with the other primary care providers. FCNs distinguish themselves from task-oriented home care nurses by embracing a proactive approach, gaining greater organizational autonomy and actively shaping their professional identity. The implications for practice suggest the need to support FCNs in this consolidation phase through health policies that enhance their contribution to community care.