The voice of the second-level regulated nursing role: a qualitative approach

Abstract

Background

With an international nursing shortage, there is a need to navigate towards an improved nursing workforce structure where each nursing role is valued and recognised for the work they contribute. The second-level regulated nursing role is seen as integral; however, there is role confusion, especially with the registered nurse, and high attrition. To implement strategies to retain an integral nursing workforce, there is a need to better understand the role from the experiences and expectations of the second-level regulated nursing role.

Aim

To gain a better understanding of the second-level regulated nursing role in the Australian nursing workforce.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study from a larger mixed methods study.

Method

Five focus groups in 2018. The findings were analysed through the lens of organisational behaviour.

Results

The findings identified that enrolled nurses’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivators influenced levels of job satisfaction and sense of feeling valued. The findings also identified key determinants that influence job satisfaction and occupational stress: enrolled nurses’ understanding of their role and scope of practice; the registered nurses’ understanding of the enrolled nurses’ role and their role when working with the enrolled nurse; and the organisation’s understanding and recognition of their role. When these determinants align, there is job satisfaction, less occupational stress and enrolled nurses feel valued. At a professional level, the title does not reflect the role, and there are no career pathways.

Conclusion

This study explained why recurrent challenges impact the role and what contributes to those in the role feeling valued. Challenges that affect job satisfaction and occupational stress for the second-level (enrolled) nurse are related to the working environment and with whom the nurse works. From a professional level, there are limited career opportunities that recognise and retain the enrolled nurse in their role.

Keywords:

• Nursing workforce
• enrolled nurse scope of practice
• motivators

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).