Resilience in nurses: an integrative review

Abstract

Aim To describe nursing research that has been conducted to understand the phenomenon of resilience in nurses. Background Resilience is the ability to bounce back or cope successfully despite adverse circumstances. Nurses deal with modern‐day problems that affect their abilities to remain resilient. Nursing administrators/managers need to look for solutions not only to recruit nurses, but to become knowledgeable about how to support and retain nurses. Evaluation A comprehensive search was undertaken for nursing research conducted between 1990 and 2011. Key search terms were nurse, resilience, resiliency and resilient. Whittemore and Knafl's integrative approach was used to conduct the methodological review. Key issues Challenging workplaces, psychological emptiness, diminishing inner balance and a sense of dissonance are contributing factors for resilience. Examples of intrapersonal characteristics include hope, self‐efficacy and coping. Cognitive reframing, toughening up, grounding connections, work‐life balance and reconciliation are resilience building strategies. Conclusion This review provides information about the concept of resilience. Becoming aware of contributing factors to the need for resilience and successful strategies to build resilience can help in recruiting and retaining nurses. Implications for nursing management Understanding the concept of resilience can assist in providing support and developing programmes to help nurses become and stay resilient.

Exploring resilience in nurses caring for older persons

“…The importance of having good role-models in nursing was confirmed by Hart et al (2014) and Koen et al (2011b).…”

“…As when one of them dies, you grieve just as hard as them" (fg4) Hart, Brannan, and De Chesnay (2014) support the fact that nurses often feel discouraged and King (2012) confirms that caring for older persons is emotionally demanding.…”

“…"One should not take to heart everything they tell you" (fg2) Hart et al (2014) concur, saying that nurses use emotional hardiness and emotional distance as tactics when providing nursing care in situations that are difficult and distressing.…”

“…Volunteers" (fg1) Hart et al (2014) confirm that family members and friends provide valuable support to nurses. Cameron and Brownie (2010) add that colleagues' support in the multi-professional team might enhance nurses' resilience.…”

Ways of Being: Preparing Nursing Students for Transition to Professional Practice

“…Next, you can worry about bed making, changing sheets, you know, those other little bits and pieces that you can prioritise and, you know, a bit further down the track. strategies that assist NGRNs (Hart et al, 2012). According to Freshwater and Stickley (2004), emotional intelligence should be central to learning to care for oneself and others.…”