Understanding the Work-Related Roles in the Work–Personal Life Reconciliation of Nurses in Intensive Care Units: Constructivist Grounded Theory Research

Abstract

Objectives: To theorize the work-related dimension involved in the process of reconciling work and personal roles among nurses working in Intensive Care Units. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory was employed to conceptualize the phenomenon of interest from the perspectives of nurses, their families, and administrative staff. Data were derived from 202 h of non-participant observation in two high-complexity hospitals in Chile (one public and one private), 57 institutional documents, and 51 in-depth interviews. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and multilevel coding. To ensure methodological rigor, the study adhered to the 13 criteria for constructivist grounded theory research proposed by Charmaz and Thornberg and was approved by a scientific ethics committee. Results: Work-related roles are defined as the set of behaviors associated with the professional context, which are shaped by nine sources of interaction: (1) Job content; (2) Workload and pace; (3) Work schedule; (4) Control; (5) Environment and equipment; (6) Organizational culture; (7) Interpersonal relationships; (8) Function within the organization; and (9) Career development. Conclusions: The study presents the theorization process of the work-related dimension involved in the reconciliation of work and personal roles among nurses in Intensive Care Units. Work-related roles are essential to understanding this reconciliation process. The findings provide evidence for the existence of nine sources of interaction, which are influenced by institutional strategic planning and, in turn, by national and international public policies.