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The characteristics of Australian Maternal and Child Health home visiting nurses undertaking family violence work: An interpretive description study
Author(s) -
Adams Catina,
Hooker Leesa,
Taft Angela
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/jan.15160
Subject(s) - nursing , thematic analysis , interview , reflexivity , qualitative research , work (physics) , medicine , domestic violence , suicide prevention , psychology , poison control , sociology , medical emergency , social science , anthropology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Aims To explore the family violence practice of home visiting nurses and identify the personal and professional characteristics of nurses undertaking family violence work. Design A qualitative research design using interpretive description. Methods The family violence nursing practice and characteristics of home visiting nurses in Victoria, Australia, were explored by analysing semi‐structured interviews ( n = 37) conducted over 4 months in 2019–2020. Twenty‐five nurses and 12 nurse managers worked in urban, regional city and rural/remote settings. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results We categorized the characteristics of home visiting nurses into two broad themes with sub‐themes: ‘Things you can learn’; and ‘You just bring yourself’. Conclusion By researching the characteristics of home visiting nurses undertaking family violence work, this study has identified the personal characteristics managers should consider when recruiting nurses to this specialist role. Identifying the personal and professional skills required will improve nurses' working experience by reducing the risk of a potential skill/role mismatch. These insights may enhance the effectiveness of home visiting nurses so that the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health program contributes effectively to the support of women experiencing family violence. Impact Interviewing home visiting nurses and their managers has enabled a clearer insight into this specialist practitioner’s previously unexplored work. Identifying the nurses’ personal, professional, and clinical characteristics should inform the development of position roles and identify nurses who are best suited for this role. This knowledge will ensure that the Maternal and Child Health program effectively supports women experiencing family violence.