Page 141 - GHES-2-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Nurses’ perceived affective well-being at work

characterized by disappointment and frustration. Nurses 3.2.2. RD1: Negative feelings about others - Isolated
struggled with interpersonal dynamics at work and felt Nurses also conveyed sentiments regarding the perceived
trapped in their roles. They expressed discontent with selfishness prevalent among their peers, noting a lack of
collegiality, perceiving it as a lack of reciprocal support. mutual assistance. Concurrently, they expressed feelings of
They were hesitant to approach management for assistance, distress, powerlessness, and isolation. Being emotionally
viewing them as ineffective and possibly dismissive, detached from their team and witnessing fellow nurses
leading to resentment. Fear of retaliation deterred nurses facing criticism were described as profoundly challenging
from reporting unprofessional behavior among their experiences. Nurses expressed apprehension about being
peers. In addition, nurses voiced frustration and anger stigmatized and opted for silence, attributing this reluctance
toward doctors, who, like nurse colleagues and managers, to the unkindness they perceived among women toward each
were perceived as dismissive. While senior nurses were other. Interestingly, nurses suggested that some may lack
perceived as more confident in challenging doctors, they an understanding of supportive teamwork and expressed
were less likely to confront senior nurse peers. Nurses also concerns about the perpetuation of such a culture, fearing it
expressed dissatisfaction and frustration regarding the lack may endanger nurses’ well-being. Nurses often endure their
of autonomy in their practice and felt disheartened when struggles silently, although they acknowledge the inclination
their efforts to assist others were not reciprocated. to discuss problems among themselves without taking active
3.1.5. ED4: Negative feelings about self - Unworthy or political steps to address them. They justify this behavior by
citing a preference for discussing issues in small groups due
Nurses’ efforts often go unrecognized despite a substantial to feeling powerless in their roles. However, this reluctance
increase in their workloads. This is evident as nurses to engage may extend beyond seeking safety in isolation; it
acknowledge that they effectively perform three-quarters may serve as a coping mechanism for managing stressful
of a doctor’s duties without receiving the corresponding situations. In addition, a pervasive sense of mistrust and a
recognition. Interestingly, some nurses admitted to lack of confidence in building healthy working relationships
feeling empowered by this perception. However, the among nurses and with other professionals were evident.
sobering realization that nurses willingly take on
additional tasks in hopes of being acknowledged for their 3.2.3. RD2: Negative feelings about
dedication underscores a deeper disillusionment with others - disillusioned
the profession. This sentiment highlights a core issue Unlike the previous theme, this one is particularly
contributing to nurses’ diminished morale, self-esteem, pertinent to nurses with extensive work experience.
and motivation: they perceive their work as unworthy These highly skilled and seasoned nurses subtly conveyed
and feel exhausted from constantly defending its worth feelings of inadequacy due to the multitude of demanding
against scrutiny from peers and other professionals who expectations placed on their services. According to the
assume superiority. In this segment of the transcript, narratives provided by the nurses, there exists a clear
nurses’ moods shift from sadness to agitation and despair. disconnect and disillusionment between meeting “targets”
While nurses demonstrate loyalty and awareness of the and managing “workloads,” raising concerns that the best
broader issues affecting their profession, they also require interest of the patient may not always align with the demands
validation and appreciation for their contributions and of their roles. Nurses find themselves overwhelmed,
hard work. Nursing leadership plays a crucial role in struggling to keep pace with their tasks, which increases
reshaping the narrative surrounding nursing within the the risks of errors or medication mistakes. The tension
political sphere and in advocating for the profession’s and exhaustion among nurses are palpable, particularly
values. This is essential to inspire younger nurses to concerning the prioritization of targets, which often leads
remain committed to their roles. to contentious debates about hospital management. This

3.2. RD dynamic fosters a hostile work environment, leaving
nurses feeling vulnerable and deeply disillusioned with
3.2.1. Negative feelings about others their profession. Many nurses find their own professional
It is noteworthy that the experiences recounted by nurses values diminishing as they strive to meet the expectations
in the three discussion groups shared a prevailing sense of their organizations, managers, and patients, often at the
of negativity and low morale throughout the narratives. expense of their own needs and principles.
Across all discussion groups, nurses expressed feelings of 4. Discussion
isolation and disillusionment with their profession. The
corresponding verbatim excerpts supporting this theme Nurses in this study evidently grapple with the necessity of
are provided in Appendix A2. adhering to organizational expectations that they perceive

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.3012