Exploring perceptions of nursing identity construction in Pakistan: Qualitative study on self, public, and professional perspectives

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Nursing identities are intricately woven with societal norms, organizational expectations, and individual self-perceptions, often entailing negative connotations and societal devaluation. This study aims to explore the intersectionality of nursing identities through the lenses of gender performativity and work identity theories. Specifically, it seeks to analyze nurses’ perceptions regarding the construction of their self, public, and professional identities, thereby shaping the nursing profession’s image in Pakistan. Methods Employing a qualitative exploratory research design and purposive sampling, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with nurses from three public hospitals in Lahore, Punjab. Thematic analysis was applied to elucidate the participants’ viewpoints, corroborated by real-life narratives. Utilizing NVIVO-14 qualitative data software for coding, nine codes, three common themes, and fifteen sub-themes were generated. Results The findings revealed three overarching themes concerning constructed nursing identities: (i) Self-identity: Female nurses, predominantly, perceive themselves as disempowered due to fluctuating self-perceptions and conflicting identities, facing hierarchical subordination within patriarchal organizational structures. (ii) Public identity: Nursing care is often relegated to menial work, extending the notion of domestic labor into the public sphere, thus reflecting societal recognition of nursing as a poverty-induced profession. (iii) Professional identity: Nurses are predominantly viewed as clinical task performers, akin to competent robots following physicians’ directives, lacking recognition as intellectual beings within the healthcare hierarchy. Conclusion The study underscores the complexity of nursing identities and their impact on the broader perception of the nursing profession in Pakistan. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges faced by nurses in constructing and asserting their identities. Efforts should be directed towards fostering a supportive organizational culture that acknowledges and respects the diverse contributions of nurses.