Reconciliation of Work and Personal Roles Among Critical Care Nurses: Constructivist Grounded Theory Research

Objectives: There are numerous and varied theoretical gaps in the study of work–family interaction, which limits the understanding and approach to this phenomenon, especially among vulnerable groups such as critical care nursing professionals. In this regard, the objective of this study was to theorize the work–family interaction process among nurses working in Critical Care Units in Chile. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory was employed to conceptualize the phenomenon of interest from the perspectives of nurses, their families, and administrative staff. Data were collected through observations in two high-complexity hospitals in Chile, one public and one private; document analysis; and 51 in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using constant comparisons and multi-level coding. To ensure rigor, the study followed the 13 criteria proposed by Charmaz and Thornberg for constructivist grounded theory studies and was approved by a Scientific Ethics Committee. Results: The reconciliation of work and personal roles emerged as the core process explaining the interaction between work and personal life among nurses in Critical Care Units. This complex and multidimensional process comprised three stages: resisting the war of roles, hitting rock bottom, and reconciling, through which nurses attempt to achieve balance between work and personal roles. Conclusions: We developed a theory that explains the work–family interaction process. The theory developed highlights the importance of an integrated approach that considers both sources of conflict and reconciliation strategies. Addressing this phenomenon effectively requires interventions at the individual, organizational, and public policy levels.