Exploration of the advanced preparation nurse‐mother role in care of children with chronic disease: A narrative inquiry

Abstract

Aim

To explore the lived experience of advanced preparation nurses (APNs) who are mothers (APN-mothers) as they seek care in the Emergency Department for a child with a chronic disease.

Design

Qualitative, Narrative Inquiry.

Methods

Narrative Inquiry was used to examine critical self-reflections of four (n = 4) APN-mothers. Directed by a question guide, participants engaged in the Narrative Reflective Process through metaphoric and artistic means.

Results

Participants identified salient challenges associated with their experiences. Narrative threads that emerged include feelings around being discovered, unfair expectations by healthcare providers, feelings of guilt and the tension from competing roles: APN and mother.

Conclusion

APN-mothers represent a unique population with enhanced knowledge, skills and judgement; however, they indicate that there is insufficient communication and interprofessional collaboration between parents and Emergency Department staff. Further research is needed to foster and improve therapeutic relationships between APN-mothers and healthcare providers.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Findings can inform the development of family centred care guidelines for healthcare professional parents and their children.

Impact

This study explores the experiences of an understudied population. This research will impact APN-mothers, healthcare professionals in the Emergency Department as well as nursing students and researchers.

Reporting Method

EQUATOR guidelines and SRQR reporting method used.

Patient or Public Contribution

APN-mothers, caregivers and support persons of children with chronic disease enacted investigator-participant roles and were involved in each step of the study process. In addition, some patients (participants' children with chronic diseases) were included in data collected.