New roles and challenges within the healthcare workforce: a Heideggerian perspective.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to explore insights based on the phenomenology of Martin Heidegger, on the dynamic relationships between human experience and work roles.


METHODS
Drawing on the findings of a hermeneutic phenomenological study of nurse mentors, the topics of new roles and role challenges are explored, along with a consideration of their relevance to wider issues of workforce redesign. Heidegger's philosophy of Dasein, in particular his concepts of inauthentic and authentic self, provided an interpretational lens. This paper applies these philosophical concepts to challenges associated with a changing workforce.


RESULTS
Concepts elaborating human existence as proposed by Heidegger may offer analytic structures for understanding shifts in the lived experience of a changing workplace. In particular, the concepts could help managers to explore the implications of introducing novel work roles or extending roles. The understanding gained can also extend to situations where work practices may need to be challenged.


CONCLUSIONS
As work roles and skill mix undergo rapid shifts, this paper offers an original way of understanding the experience of work roles.
Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
Anthea
A
Wilson
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role; D012947:Social Work; D006113:United Kingdom
Dasein; Healthcare modernization; Heidegger; Role redesign; Skill mix; Work roles