Registered nurses’ experiences of challenging situations in their psychosocial working environment in home care of patients with functional and/or intellectual disability: a qualitative study

Abstract

Around 15% of the world's population lives with some form of functional and/or intellectual disability (FID). Nursing staff often face threats and violence in the care of patients with FID. This study aimed to illuminate registered nurses’ experiences of challenging situations in their psychosocial working environment in home care of patients with functional and/or intellectual disabilities. Nine registered nurses/district nurses working in municipal settings were interviewed using a qualitative approach. COREQ was used for explicit and comprehensive reporting of qualitative studies. Three categories were revealed: To face challenging behaviour, To face emotional burden and To face communication difficulties. Nurses need continuous training and support to cope with work-related stress to meet a person with FID in a calm and relaxed mood and to be prepared for critical situations in their psychosocial environment. Training and support may enable nurses to be in a state of harmony and to be present in order to build caring relationships.