L’infirmière libanaise et le sens au travail en milieu hospitalier
This study aims to expand the conceptual basis of the phenomenon of meaning at work and seeks to provide a theoretical model to explain the process of constructing meaning at work by Lebanese nurses. The meaning at work is presented as a process that emerges through the dynamic interactions developed between an individual and his work environment and as a product that is expressed by the individual level of satisfaction, motivation, organizational commitment, performance and health at work. The study of this phenomenon is a new way to shed light to a work context, such as the Lebanese context, suffering for years from a problem of shortage of nurses. Symbolic interactionism was the epistemological and methodological framework of this study based on a qualitative approach using grounded theory. The study was conducted in a region with nine Lebanese hospital nurses practicing the profession in various work contexts. Data collection was done by the use of individual interviews recorded on digital media; data were subsequently transcribed and analysed following the constructivist method developed by Charmaz (2006). The results were used to propose a theoretical model that explains the process of constructing meaningful work that arises from interactions of the Lebanese nurses with the various elements of their work context. These nurses have developed a representation of the work context marked by an excessive workload, an inadequate pay, an reduced opportunities for development and professional advancement, an unfair behaviour of their supervisors and a devalued nurse’s public image. This context affects the satisfaction of these three objectives that emerged threw analysis witch are pursuit by these nurses through their work: 1) to take care for patients; 2) to meet they one needs; and 3) to be recognized as a professional. These nurses construct meaning at work and compose with theses context constraints by using their personal resources. By enhancing the value of the nurse and the value of her work, by getting satisfied threw their effort, by self-actualization and career advancement, these nurses get to protect and maintain meaningful work. Finally, the meaning at work could be conceptualized as a subjective and multidimensional positive phenomenon fuelled by the love of the profession and resulting in work that meets the expectations of nurses. Knowledge that emerged from this study will help develop personal and contextual strategies to foster the process of construction of meaning at work in order to reduce the shortage of nurses. Research avenues and recommendations for education are suggested.
Meaning at work Meaning of work Meaning making Nurses Grounded theory Shortage of nurses