The meaning of work for nursing assistants who stay in long-term care.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the meaning of work for nursing assistants who stay in long-term care.

BACKGROUND

Nursing assistants are important caregivers in long-term agencies. While studies have examined why nursing assistants leave, their motivation to stay has not been well studied.

DESIGN

An existential-phenomenological study was conducted using Pollio's approach.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 nursing assistants in four nursing homes. Interviews were analysed within the context of an interpretive research group. Findings were represented in a diagram of interrelated figural/ground themes.

CONCLUSIONS

The meaning of work emerged as an experience of family, pride and control, in spite of an environment fraught with hostility, disrespect and lack of control.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing assistants provide most of the care to residents of long-term facilities. Understanding their perspective offers insight into nursing administrators in creating environments in which safe, compassionate and cost-effective care co-exist. Implications for clinical practice are framed within King's theory of goal attainment.