Psychodynamic analysis of nursing in long-term care units: Between pleasure and suffering

Research
By Marie Alderson
English

Motivated by the constant increase in nurses’ mental health problems, the study of Alderson (2001)—using a psychodynamics of work (psychodynamique du travail) approach—looks at the subjective and collective experience of nursing in a chronic care facility. The results of the study show that the major source of suffering in nurses’ work experience is their perceived lack of recognition, of autonomy, and of professional power, deficits that are largely maintained by inadequate organization of the nurses’ work. Suggested solutions, according to the nurses in the study, include a transformation of their work and its context.

Keywords

  • reform of the Quebec health system
  • long-term care
  • psychodynamics of work
  • pleasure and suffering at work
  • organization of nurses work
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