Intraprofessional collaboration: A qualitative study of registered nurses’ experiences
Tuija Ylitörmänen, Tarja Kvist, Hannele Turunen
Abstract
Background Collaboration and intraprofessional relationships are essential for healthy work environments; they affect everyday practice, quality of care, patient outcomes, and nurses' welfare. Little is known about how nurses experience nurse—nurse collaboration. Aims To describe registered nurses' experiences of nurse—nurse collaboration in one Finnish and one Norwegian university hospital. Design This study used a qualitative descriptive approach applying the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines. Methods Interviews were conducted with 29 nurses in two university hospitals in Finland and Norway in 2015. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and data were categorised by inductive content analysis. Findings The registered nurses described nurse—nurse collaboration as equal and smooth collaboration towards a common goal with the patient in the centre, professional collegiality, a functioning working environment and clear communication. Also essential were empowering relationships, including categories such as sharing of knowledge and skills, and support and sharing of work. Discussion There is considerable variation in the ways nurses understand and experience collaboration within the profession. Conclusions Intraprofessional collaboration profoundly affects nurses' well-being. Strategies and continuous reinforcement are needed to strengthen and support intraprofessional collaboration, for instance through staff education and training.