Original ArticleIdentifying Nurse Anesthetists' Professional Identity
Section snippets
Methods
Focused ethnography was chosen as the methodology because the purpose of this study was to explore a specific clinical setting of preparing patients for general anesthesia and the situation's impact on RNAs' professional identity. Focused ethnography in health care research can be applied when the research concerns a context-specific and problem-focused framework. The research motive of this method is to develop nursing knowledge and practice.10 Knoblauch11 emphasizes that the entities studied
Data Analysis
The focus during analysis was, in particular, on the social situation and actions in the OR between patients and RNAs.16 The data analysis was performed using methodological concepts from grounded theory.17 The analytical tools used were open, selective and theoretical coding, and constant comparison of emerging categories and ideas. Similarities and variations were explored in the collected data material and developing categories.16 The data material was read, reread, and coded line by line or
Findings
The analysis led to the development of Identifying the professional self as the core variable.
In this section, each citation of observations and interviews has a specific reference number assigned for each of the RNAs, anesthesiologists, and OR nurses. RNAs from phase 2 have a number from 1 to 10. RNAs from phase 3 are numbered 11 to 13. RNAs from phase 4 are numbered from 14 to 16. Anesthesiologists and OR nurses are numbered 1 to 3 (Figure 1).
Discussion
The core variable of RNAs' professional identity was described as Identifying the professional self. The core variable was explained through two subcore variables: Gliding between tasks and structures and Depending on independence. These findings enhance and deepen the insights into the complexities and the development of RNAs' professional identity. According to Johnson et al,9 many factors alter the formation of nurses' professional identity from cultural change to individual expectations and
Strengths and Limitations
Focused ethnography was found to be an appropriate method to explore the interaction between RNAs and patients in highly technological environments and how this environment affects the professional identity of RNAs. Focused ethnography is often used in applied research fields such as nursing. By focusing on the participants' emic view on the cooperation between the interdisciplinary team members in the OR through the etic lens of the first author, it is possible to develop knowledge relevant
Conclusion and Implication for Practice
The finding of the core variable Identifying the professional self is a clear indication that RNAs' professional identity consists of great complexity. The hallmark of RNAs' professional identity is a specific dynamic hierarchy between RNAs and anesthesiologists, with the RNAs working on delegated responsibility. This hierarchy challenges the RNAs' wish to be independent and in charge of securing patients' airways while simultaneously desiring to ensure a trusting relationship with the patient.
Karin Aagaard, PhD, MScN, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Cited by (0)
Karin Aagaard, PhD, MScN, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
Erik Elgaard Sørensen, PhD, MScN, Professor, Clinical Nursing at Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Head of Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
Bodil Steen Rasmussen, PhD, MD, Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Birgitte Schantz Laursen, PhD, MScN, Associate Professor, Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Conflict of interest: None to report.