Psychological structures of time in a stressful work context among nurses

Abstract

In occupational health psychology, the lived experience of time is mainly linked to stress and its related health problems (burnout, depression or muscular pain). However, time can also be perceived as a health protector under specific conditions as a fundamental dimension of nurses’ professional activity through time constraints (complex situations; emergencies; responsibility of patients’ lives). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 female nurses from 28 to 50 years old in a 2-steps design to explore among others the lived experience of time. According to a phenomenological analysis of their discourses, we can assess three structures of time among nurses. First, the latitude of choice and the freedom to plan schedules is the most important positive factor developed in relation to family life and leisure. Second, working time is made both of slow and fast moments of activities that allow nurses to keep a protecting balance in their lived experience. Third, time is elaborated through the lenses of career and long-term personal evolution. These findings have implications for organisational management in terms of protecting and developing workers’ self-control on working time.