Adaptation Process of Nurses Who Return to Work after Parental Leave

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to generate a grounded substantive theory of the adaptation process of nurses who return to work after taking parental leave. Methods: Individual in-depth interviews with 13 participants were conducted between June and September 2014. Participants were interviewed 1~3 times; interviews were continued until the data became saturated. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory method. Results: The core category of experience of the process of adaptation as a nurse who returned to work after parental leave was ‘trying to regain one's previous position’. Participants used five interactional strategies: ‘preparing in advance’, ‘initiating relationships with colleagues’, ‘keeping a positive attitude’, ‘understanding parenting helpers’, ‘Taking burden off one's mind’. Conclusion: The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the adaptation process of nurses returning to work after taking parental leave. The importance of improving nurses' attitudes to their co-workers who take parental leave is highlighted along with the necessity of providing a family-friendly work environment. These results can be used to develop supportive policies and programs for nurses who return to their work after parental leave.