Experiences of Clinical Nurses Aged over 40 as Shift Workers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of clinical nurses over 40 years of age who were shift workers. Methods: Data were collected from in-depth interviews with 10 clinical nurses over 40 years of age who had at least 10 years of clinical experience and who worked in 5 acute care hospitals. The data were analyzed using Braun & Clark’s thematic analysis. Results: One main theme, 3 themes, and 9 subthemes were derived. The main theme was “Sustaining a position still in conflict”, and themes were as follows; “Being trained as a professional nurse, “Having unfavorable working conditions and damaged self-esteem”, “Trying hard to get a sense of value as an experienced nurse” Conclusion: The results of this study show the issues of age and generational diversities in nurses in acute care hospitals. It is necessary to explore various ways to utilize the experience of older clinical nurses for the integrity of nursing organization and the development of the nursing profession.