How nurses survive when they need to be the “tough guy”

Talk Tuesday - October 20, 2020

Presenters

Jan Marie Graham RN MN, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Studies, Brandon University

Jan Marie Graham RN MN is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Studies at Brandon University. A qualitative researcher by nature, her research interests include culture in varying forms, including the culture of nurses’ work and the impact of cultural beliefs on nursing and access to health care.  

Nadine Smith RN BN MN, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Studies, Brandon University

Nadine Smith RN BN MN is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Studies at Brandon University. Research interests include nursing/psychiatric nursing education, clinical education, peer mentorship, and the lived experience of nurses and students. 

Summary

There may be times when nurses are perceived to be harsh, uncaring, insensitive, or even cruel, even though they are practicing in accordance with practice expectations, ethics, and employer policies. This study explored situations where the nurse had to act in a way that they or others, (e.g. clients, family members, nursing students, or health care staff) viewed as harsh, uncaring, insensitive, or even cruel.  The study findings will reveal the experiences of nurses and raise awareness of some of the challenges and distresses that nurses must cope with as a result of their work. Themes developed from the data will be discussed, and recommendations will be made that may improve the work-life experiences of nurses and support resiliency.