Riding the time treadmill: An interpretive phenomenological study of clinical nursing interns' experience of time...

Time poverty refers to the condition where individuals struggle to secure sufficient free time due to overwhelming responsibilities. This phenomenon has significant physical and mental health implications. Clinical nursing interns are particularly susceptible to time poverty due to demanding schedules, long shifts, and irregular hours during clinical placements. Despite its relevance, limited research explores the subjective experiences of clinical nursing interns regarding time poverty and its implications for their professional development and well-being.

This study aimed to understand the experiences and coping strategies of clinical nursing interns facing time poverty, identify factors that exacerbate time poverty, and provide suggestions to mitigate its negative impact on these interns.

Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to capture the lived experiences of 12 clinical nursing interns. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, ensuring diverse experiences from different clinical environments. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted, focused on: perceptions and experiences of time poverty, emotional and career impacts of insufficient free time, and coping strategies among interns. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to a thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes.

Four primary themes emerged from the data analysis: "Life on the Treadmill"; "The Emotion of Being Chased"; "Professional Shake"; and "Adaptation and Coping Strategies".

The findings highlight that time poverty significantly affects clinical nursing interns' emotional well-being, professional growth, and motivation. Addressing this issue requires institutional reforms and supportive measures, including: formal training in effective time management; structured mentorship programs to guide interns through challenging schedules; enhanced emotional support systems to foster resilience. Such interventions are critical to promoting the health, academic success, and professional identity of clinical nursing interns, ultimately strengthening the future nursing workforce and overall healthcare delivery.