It is evident that a small percentage of women experience a traumatic birth. Although some women who experience a traumatic birth do not necessarily have physical or psychological adverse outcomes, others identify a significant personal impact. Healthcare professionals must recognize women's need to be involved in decision-making and to be fully informed about all aspects of their labour and birth to increase their sense of control.
Some participants may find telling their stories to be cathartic, providing them with a sense of relief. Implementing techniques that may be helpful in initiating the interview process can be challenging.
This research study will assist clinicians in understanding the needs of younger women undergoing breast cancer-related breast surgery, who may require counselling in relation to fertility and relationship issues and assistance in coping with the demands of work and home life.
Greater recognition and attention to the specific needs of women who have an emergency hysterectomy following childbirth is required. Providing women with an opportunity to talk, debrief and ask questions related to their birthing experiences, will help women to reconcile their feelings. Giving women the opportunity to have their infants with them in intensive care unit, together with ongoing emotional support and anticipatory guidance, may also be useful approaches in assisting women during this difficult and traumatic time.
Aim
To explore the experiences of female registered nurses (RNs), who encounter workplace gender discrimination in nursing.
Design
This study used a qualitative exploratory design informed by feminist perspectives and was underpinned by social constructionism.
Methods
Women who were RNs (N = 10) and employed in New South Wales (NSW) were purposively selected to convey their experiences of workplace gender discrimination. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews, between April and July 2020. Analysis was guided by the work of Anderson and Jack (Women's words; 1991) who recommend three ways of listening. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and Braun and Clarke's (Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101; 2006) six‐step guide was used to develop themes.
Results
Thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: It's a man's world; Gender stereotypes; Being a woman and nurse; Reluctance to call out gender discrimination and The status quo. Findings from this study highlighted that participants believed men's career progression in nursing were favoured over women.
Conclusion
Findings from this research highlight that socially constructed gendered norms continue to form the basis of inequality for women in the workplace. Fostering and sustaining workplace cultures that support family and work life balance, and that do not discriminate against women, is fundamental to ensuring equality for women.
Impact
There is limited qualitative research into women's experiences of workplace gender discrimination in nursing. This research highlights the need for workplace strategies to be implemented to ensure women are better supported and equally represented in leadership positions and advanced practice roles in nursing. All nurses should be given equal consideration based on experience and qualifications. Career development and progression opportunities should be fair, equitable and transparent with clearly documented criteria.
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