Nurse perceptions of exemplary nursing practice in the context of stressed workplaces

Abstract

The aim of this study was to discover how registered nurses identify and define exemplary nursing practice within the context of stressed workplaces. A qualitative study of peer nominated registered nurses within Southern Alberta was conducted to enhance understanding of exemplary nursing practice from the perspective of nurse peers and the nurse nominees themselves. Purposeful, judgement sampling by peer nomination was used to accrue the study sample. Person centered interviews (N=17) provided rich data and understanding of the phenomenon of interest. Being, Knowing, Doing, Giving and Receiving, (Stiles, 1990) served as the conceptual framework. This research revealed contextual factors that fostered and challenged exemplary nursing practice. Participants identified similar characteristics of exemplary nursing practice, such as love of nursing, deep knowing, high standards of care, and demanding of self. Undermining factors of exemplary nursing such as lack of time, fragmented care, and lack of respect were identified.