The Journal of the Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies Vol. 16, No. 1, PP 45-56, 2012 Factors Related to Career Continuation among Nurses Raising Children Mayumi Iwashita 1) Masayo Takada 2) Key words : career continuation, career development, female nurses, child-raising, qualitative research Abstract The purpose of this study was to elucidate factors related to career continuation among nurses raising children. Participants were 11 female nurses raising children aged 8 or under working full-time at hospitals within the Kinki region. After receiving written consent for participation, we conducted semistructured interviews and analyzed interview contents qualitatively and descriptively. Fifteen categories and 59 subcategories were identified in the analysis. To establish the rigor, participants were asked to review the results. As a core factor that determines whether nurses raising children continue their careers, we identified the category striking a balance between work and child growth. With respect to factors that serve as the foundation for career continuation, we identified the categories emotional involvement with nursing, the will to continue working, and being aware of emotional support. With respect to factors that serve as back-up for career continuation, we identified the categories consideration from coworkers, help from family, and available resources. Receiving consideration from coworkers, such as from supervisors and colleagues, allowed nurses to truly feel they are needed, which gave them the strength to continue working within the organization. Yet, at the same time, we identified categories related to factors that prevented nurses from continuing their careers, such as experiencing hardship in the workplace and experiencing hardship as a mother. While these factors made it difficult to continue working, efforts to overcome difficulties allowed participants to continue their nursing careers. Furthermore, factors implicated in growth as nurses and the discovery of value in their work were identified in the following categories: feeling consideration for others and gratitude, realization of personal growth through the process of child-raising, realization of the value of working, and realization of the meaning of one s existence as a nurse raising a child. These factors helped nurses develop their own practical working models. In order for nurses raising children to continue their careers, they must be respected as individuals, and working arrangements must be developed that consider the diverse working styles each has chosen to accommodate their individual needs. 45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56