The 'realities' of part-time nursing: a grounded theory study.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a theory that explains the 'realities' of part-time nursing.


BACKGROUND
While little is known about the phenomenon of part-time nursing, increasing numbers of nurses work in part-time employment.


METHODS
Grounded theory.


RESULTS
The problem that part-time nurses shared was an inability to achieve their personal optimal nursing potential. Motivators to work part-time, employment hours, specialty, individual and organizational factors formed contextual conditions that led to this problem. Part-time nurses responded to the challenges through a process of adaptation and adjustment.


CONCLUSIONS
Harnessing the full productive potential of part-time nurses requires support to limit the difficulties that they encounter. The developed theory provides a valuable guide to managerial action.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurse Managers need to consider the developed substantive theory when planning and managing nursing workforces.
Jamieson
Lynn N
LN
Clinical Improvement, Central Queensland Health Service District, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia. lynn_jamieson@health.qld.gov.au
Williams
Leonie Mosel
LM
Lauder
William
W
Dwyer
Trudy
T
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013997:Time Factors; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology*