The experiences of women nurses in an intimate relationship who are entering or reentering the nursing workforce. Implications for individuals and the nursing profession

Project Outline:

This project builds on a recently completed PhD that investigated the university experiences of women nurse students in an intimate relationship (married or de facto). This study identified the structural and personal challenges these women experienced during their time at university. The study highlighted the importance of gender as a key influence on their progress. It also revealed the extent to which being a female nurse student impacted on the intimate relationship itself.

As these influences are likely to continue through the transition to the workplace on graduation, this study proposes to explore the early career experiences of recent female nurse graduates who are in a heterosexual intimate relationship. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, it will ask how being in an intimate relationship influences the career progression of women graduates. It will also investigate the impact of this career on the intimate relationship itself.

The rising proportion of mature-age women entering the nursing profession and the projected nursing workforce shortage supports the significance of this study.

Desired Skills: Qualitative research skills, interviewing skills

Project Area: Public Health, Gender, Nursing

School / Research Centre / Institute : School of Medical and Health Sciences research

Supervisor(s): Dr Leesa Costello, Dr Ken Robinson, Dr Julie Dare, Dr Lesley Andrew

Project level: Masters, PhD

Funding: Applicant should apply for ECUHDR or RTP Scholarship

Start date: Semester 2, 2020