Fatherhood as Professional Transition: Conceptualizing Patrescence in Nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Sociology of Professions
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• The transition to fatherhood is a significant life event.
• The unique experiences of male nurses becoming fathers remain underexplored.
• Understanding this transition is crucial for supporting male nurses in their dual roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the concept of patrescence in nursing.
• To identify the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of patrescence for male nurses.
• To inform nursing theory, education, and policy regarding nurse-fathers.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis using Walker and Avant's eight-step method.
• Systematic literature review to identify empirical referents.
• Analysis of defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences.

Main Results:

• Patrescence involves identity integration, relational reorientation, moral recalibration, temporal development, and work-life negotiation.
• It is a moral and relational transformation.
• Key antecedents include professional identity and desire for fatherhood; consequences involve role integration and well-being.

Conclusions:

• Patrescence is a complex developmental process for male nurses.
• Recognizing patrescence supports the well-being and role integration of nurse-fathers.
• Findings can guide improvements in nursing education and organizational support systems.