Protecting Professional Composure in Transcultural Pediatric Nursing

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we used grounded theory to explore the category of "overwhelming emotional expressions" that emerged in a previous study. Using theoretical sampling, 12 individual interviews were conducted with nurses in Swedish pediatric care. Overwhelming emotional expressions have been found to override nurses' professional preparedness; they continuously resolve this by protecting professional composure. Various strategies are used to protect professional composure, including rationalizing, controlled expression, power display, escape/avoidance, distancing, sharing, and management of space. Some of these strategies are similar to coping strategies. However, they differ in that they are about managing the situation and also include protecting the professional composure of the individual as well as the whole care situation. Nurses need to gain preparedness to meet overwhelming emotional expressions in transcultural care and to be aware of strategies for protecting professional composure so as to use them consciously and positively.

Protecting Family Interests: An Interview Study with Foreign-Born Parents Struggling On in Childhood Cancer Care

“…Parents' expressions of anger are often interpreted as a reaction to multiple factors, such as frustration, powerlessness, and suspicions of racism [29]. If contesting includes the expression of negative emotions, it can also have negative consequences for the development of relationships with healthcare staff [29] and has been associated with higher levels of distress in parents [30]. Moreover, Norberg et al [30] argue that the expression of negative emotions can have negative consequences for communication with healthcare staff.…”

Facading in transcultural interactions: examples from pediatric cancer care in Sweden

“…The care situation of families with a foreign background was explored from different perspectives, using broad research questions (Table ). Data were collected through focus group and individual interviews with health care professionals and individual interviews with registered nurses and foreign‐born parents in pediatric cancer care (Table ). Field notes were taken, and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed.…”

“…Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory . Full presentations of methods are provided in the articles …”

“…With facading as the core category, the analysis was performed alternating between theoretical sampling of data, including memos, transcribed interviews and field notes, and selective coding. Thus, memos about categories, for example, controlled expression and strength facading , from the primary studies were theoretically sampled. Furthermore, selective coding was conducted on transcribed interview data for core and related categories and reoccurring incidents were required for categories .…”

Collegial Cross-Cultural Relations for Health Academics: Concepts and Considerations

“…Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their staff are appropriately trained to be aware of racism and its manifestations and consequences for targets and for organizational productivity (Pergert, Ekblad, Enskär, & Björk, 2008). Potential challenges to developing harmonious cross-cultural relationships occur in cultural, linguistic, religious, social, and other spheres.…”