Detriments of a Self-Sacrificing Nursing Culture on Recruitment and Retention: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Aim To investigate the presence and impact of self-sacrifice within the nursing profession. Background Evidence suggests the existence of a culture of self-sacrifice within nursing, but its potential detriments to the profession have not been explored. Design A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 practicing nurses to explore the existence and potential implications of a self-sacrificing culture within nursing. Results All participants reported self-sacrifice within the nursing profession as the result of the prevailing stereotypical image of the “ideal nurse,” leading to job dissatisfaction, presenteeism, and burnout. Younger nurses reported being less willing to self-sacrifice and consequently felt unsupported by management and senior staff, resulting in job dissatisfaction and intent to leave their job. Conclusion A culture of self-sacrifice within the nursing profession may lead to job dissatisfaction, presenteeism, burnout, and retention problems, especially for younger nurses. A self-sacrificing image of nursing may also deter potential recruits from exploring a career in the profession.

Self-Sacrifice in a Distressful and Threatening Environment: The Consequences of the COVID-19 Crisis in Intensifying Workplace Violence

“…In this regard, a study has emphasized the necessity of attention to health promotion programs and preventive intervention in the workplace, considering the significant psychological impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on healthcare workers; this study recommended that policy-makers plan interventions, including supplying pertinent information and psychosocial support, acknowledging success, increasing resilience, and monitoring the health status of staff ( 37 ). Studies have also shown that the culture of self-sacrifice leads to increased physical and emotional exhaustion in the nurse’s workplace ( 3 ). According to studies, occupational stress, whether accompanied by workplace violence or not, increases the risk of harm associated with facing violence ( 32 ).…”

“…Nurses are valuable assets of the health system who work in the frontline of health care provision during the pandemic; this means that they are the personnel most affected by it ( 2 ). The nursing profession is inseparable from values such as “empathy, love, and self-sacrifice,” so a culture of self-sacrifice has become an integral element of this occupation ( 3 ). In spite of the harsh conditions, nurses make sacrifices, provide for patients’ needs, and disregard their own needs and wellness, spending all their power on providing quality care and fulfilling patients’ needs ( 4 ).…”

Intention to response, emergency preparedness and intention to leave among nurses during COVID‐19

“…The considerate level of IR among Chinese nurses predicted a relatively adequate nursing workforce to be arranged in future infectious disease emergency events. Moreover, related studies highlighted a culture of self‐sacrifice in the nursing profession may lead to job dissatisfaction, presenteeism, burnout and retention problems (Ciezar‐Andersen & King‐Shier, 2020). As a result, there is no need to force a small number nurse who was reluctant to respond at the legal level.…”

Letter to editor: brain awareness week, CoVID-19 infection and neurological sciences

“…Past studies have suggested the role of self-sacrifice in this regard [11,12]. We believe that in healthcare professionals, this factor can be considered a reason for not leaving the duty not only despite the insufficient personal protective equipment but also death in the way of treatment of patients.…”