A good working life as a nurse in a generational perspective

The talk will be a presentation of a project we are working on currently. The aim of the project is to examine concrete experiences as well as visions that three generations of nurses have to a good working life.
We have done qualitative interviews with 15 nurses in Denmark: 5 born in 1955, 5 born in 1975 and 5 born in 1995. The analysis of the material centers around: 1) general aspects that characterize all three generations and 2) specific aspects that characterize each generation. Furthermore, the analysis focus on themes related to: a) why the interviewee decided to become a nurse b) how the interviewee define the core competences of the nursing profession c) the interviewee’s transition into working life after graduation d) if and how young, middle aged and older nurses help and support each another and e) the interviewee’s suggestions related to how different generations can make exchanges during their career.
In the presentation one focus is socialization into a profession. Development of reciprocity and mutual support, learning and respect between the generations are another focus.
Denmark is ageing and the world is ageing. This research project addresses both how we look at ageing within a profession and how to improve the narrative of the working life as a nurse. Hereby it hopefully will contribute to empower nursing leadership.