Narrative Analysis of Dilemmas Experienced by Nurses Standing between Individual and Team Norms

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the dilemmas experienced by nurses standing between individual and team norms and the factors influencing the classification of nurses’ reactions to such dilemmas.

Methods: An interview survey was conducted on 21 nurses with more than 2 years of experience. Data were analyzed via structural and thematic narrative analyses.

Results and Discussion: Five structural patterns in the participants’ stories were evaluated via a structural narrative analysis: a), the nurse took some actions conforming to team norms, b)-1, the nurse took some actions as far as possible based on individual judgment, b)-2, the nurse took some actions when she could find a small group of supporters, c)-1, the nurse took some actions conforming to individual norms but could not change team norms, and c)-2, the nurse took some actions conforming to individual norms and succeeded in changing team norms. The thematic narrative analysis identified five factors affecting nurses’ reactions: duration of experience in nursing practice, job displacement, avoiding conflict with others, acquisition of supporters, and roles assigned in the team. These results suggest the importance of cultivating organizational culture “to listen to small voices.”