Characteristics of Head Nurses’ Perception of Their Work-life Balance

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the perceptions of work-life balance (WLB) among head nurses so as to gather suggestions for promoting nurses’ WLB. We conducted participant observations and semistructured interviews on 7 primary information providers (head nurses in wards that promoted WLB) and 12 general information providers, and we analyzed the results in accordance with the phases of Leininger’s ethnonursing data analysis enabler. The analysis yielded the following four themes : [head nurses have perception that they must play a managing role, and that WLB therefore differs between themselves and staff], [head nurses have perception that they need to demonstrate their own fulfilling WLB as a role model for their staff], [head nurses have perception that it is important to create a workplace where all staff members can achieve WLB equally before head nurses’ WLB], and [head nurses have perception that there are limits and dilemmas in regard to promoting WLB in the workplace and their own WLB]. The results of this study suggested that not only staff nurses’ WLB but also the head nurses’ own WLB should be considered. It is also necessary for all staff─not just those requiring childcare support─to have equal WLB. In addition, it is necessary for the head nurse to take self-care for stress measures, and it is necessary to establish a system within the organization such as a consultation system.