The Exploration of Adaptation Process of Nurses in Prehospital Emergency Services: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Adaptation is a reflection of one's interaction with others or satisfaction with their roles and actions. Adaptation is influenced by factors such as personality, culture and expectations. The phenomenon of adaptation is shaped by interactions with others and is influenced by many factors. Although many nurses work in the pre-hospital emergency, the nature of their adaptation in the pre-hospital emergency is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore nurses’ adaptation process in pre-hospital emergency care services. Methods: In this qualitative study, using the grounded theory approach, 24 nurse working in pre-hospital emergency department of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were selected based on purposive and theoretical sampling. Data were collected by face to face deep interview. Data analysis was performed by Corbin and Strauss approach (2015). Results: In analyzing the data for the context, four main categories were identified as "job stress, complicated job conditions, inadequate professional and organizational competence and inappropriate social and organizational status". Nurses' main concern was "falling into inappropriate and challenging working conditions." Data analysis for the process consisted of two main categories: "strive for Stress Reduction and Reactive Exposure to Species Challenge". The consequence of the nurses' adaptation in the prehospital emergency services was the continuation of the inevitable. Therefore, the core category of this study was "inconsistent professional identity formation". Conclusion: Nurses' adaptation in the emergency was a continuation of the inevitable. Nurses are in conflict with the development of their professional identity and are not well adapted to Work in a pre-hospital emergency care services. Therefore, the development of nurses' professional identity in the pre-hospital emergency did not progress appropriately, and nurses were maladjusted with occupational conditions by forming inconsistent professional identities.The results of this study can be used by health policy makers, especially pre-hospital emergency services, nursing and Emergency Medicine. The results of this study can help nurses to adapt to the pre-hospital emergency.