Work–Family Challenges of Nurses Working in  Selected Hospitals in Mangalore City

Dr. Paul G . Aquinas; Dr. Theresa L. Mendonca

Volume : III, Issue : I, January - 2014

Work–Family Challenges of Nurses Working in Selected Hospitals in Mangalore City

Dr. Paul G . Aquinas, Dr. Theresa L. Mendonca

Abstract :

Female participation in the workplace has grown dramatically over the past couple of decades. This growth has been especially noticeable in traditionally feminine professions like nursing. The barriers to women�s career to a large extent are the work-family challenges that women employees experience because of their strong commitment to family responsibilities. Work-life balance is seen more as women�s issue due to the traditional mindset, where the women are considered primarily responsible for the smooth running of the family irrespective of her job responsibilities. The primary objective of this study is to understand the challenges of family responsibilities the nursing professionals (women) face and the type of work-life support they would require from their employers to balance their work and family in a better manner. The following are some of the major findings of the study: • Majority of the nurses are committed to their family responsibilities. Family responsibilities especially children�s responsibilities hinder their commitment to their careers. They are of the opinion that they are not able to utilise their full potential and have to make career trade-offs because of their family responsibilities. • The research reveals that the nursing professionals expect the support from their organisations to help them achieve better work-life balance. Majority of the Nurses require Cr�che facilities near the place of work and flexible working hours. • Most of them agree that they would require family-friendly provisions to balance their responsibilities. • Most of the respondents disagree that �putting career ahead of family ings strong disapproval from husband and family�. This shows that women have accepted the role of taking care of their families irrespective of the fact that they hold a professional position in the organization. • Majority of the nurses agree that their challenge is to make the �patients� �superiors� and �colleagues� happy