Concept Analysis of Nurse Self-Sacrifice

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to clarify the structure of “nurse self-sacrifice” and examine the concept’s applicability in nursing practice.

Methods: The study utilized Rodgers & Knafl’ (2000) approach for concept analysis and analyzed 33 references obtained from five databases.

Results: Based on the analysis, three attributes of nurse self-sacrifice were identified, namely prioritizing the patient’s over one’s own interests, exhibiting behavior that positively values being a nurse, and working oneself to the bone. Additionally, four antecedents and three consequences were extracted.

Conclusions: Nurse self-sacrifice was defined as a behavior that prioritizes the patient’s interests over one’s own interests based on positively value as a nurse. A better understanding of nurse self-sacrifice can help differentiate it from altruism and prompt a reevaluation of self-sacrifice in the workplace. This can also facilitate changes in organizational culture that can jeopardize workers’ physical and mental health.