Nurse lecturers’ perceptions of their professional dignity: A phenomenological study

BackgroundLecturers who are working in empowering environments and are treated with respect by students and managers, feel dignified and capable of being positive role models to their students. The opposite happens when they are not treated with respect and experience challenging working environments.AimThe aim of the study was to explore and describe how nursing lecturers of a designated education institution in South Africa experienced factors that influenced their perceived professional dignity.Research designA descriptive phenomenological research design with a constructivist paradigm applied. Individual interviews were conducted with lecturers to obtain answers to the question <i>'How do you experience factors at the institution that influence your dignity as a professional person?'</i> Probes were used encouraging the participants to comprehensively describe their experiences. The data were analysed according to the steps designed by Giorgi in which the natural dimension of the phenomenon as narrated by the participants was transformed into the phenomenological dimension of the phenomenon.Participants and research contextThe study was undertaken in South Africa at a nursing education institution and 18 voluntary purposively selected lecturers were involved.Ethical considerationsThe Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of Pretoria approved the proposal and the applicable authorities gave written permission for the research to be conducted. Informed voluntary consent was obtained from the participants before the research commenced.FindingsThe essence of the participants' experiences refer to 'longing for professional dignity.' The supporting constituents are: 'acknowledging lecturers as specialists', 'enhancing their self-determination', 'acknowledging their capabilities', 'promoting collegiality', 'creating conducive teaching environments', 'being respected by students', and 'perceiving lecturers as possessing integrity'.ConclusionThe participants' perceived dignity was influenced by the way they had been treated by students and managers at the designated institution. Their working environment also impacted on their perceived professional dignity.