Decline of Self-efficacy: the Consequence of Nursing Work-family Conflict

Introduction: Work–family Conflict (WFC) is described as a two-sided incompatibility between the demands of work and family roles. This means that, participation in work roles due to participation in family roles, or vice versa, is difficult. WFC has been reported in various jobs, including nursing with several outcomes. Therefore, this study is designed to explain the experiences of nurses from the consequences of WFC. Method: This study was conducted based on the qualitative analysis approach. In this study ۱۶ nurses were selected by purposeful sampling. The data was collected through deep and unstructured interviews. The method of data analysis was inductive content analysis approach. Results: Of the total ۱۶ participants ۱۲ were female and ۴ male. All participants had a bachelor's degree, and work experience between ۴ to ۲۸ years and the average of ۱۴.۹ years. The research findings showed that main category (theme) was decline of self-efficacy with the following subcategories: ۱-failure in family affairs ۲-inadvertent negligence in patient care ۳- ignoring themselves. Conclusion: The findings of the current research showed that nurses under certain conditions, such as lack of work and family support, double pressure of work due to shortage of nurses and excessive work and family demands, experience a reduction in their ability to manage work and family affairs and a decline in their self-efficacy. Decline in self-efficacy increases interaction between work and family duties therefore, the WFC becomes more severe. In fact a defective cycle is formed, the results of which are negative outcomes in both work and family domains. Therefore, in order to prevent the negative consequences of WFC, which are sometimes irreparable, it is recommended that nurses become familiar with scientific management of WFC, and be supported comprehensively by their family and hospital. Thus, they will have more freedom and flexibility, and minimum interference possible in their work and family programs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Work–family conflict ، Nursing ، Consequence ، self-efficacy ، Qualitative study ، Iran.