Nurses’ professional dignity in private health care: a descriptive phenomenological study

Aim This study explored and described nurses’ experiences of factors that influenced their professional dignity in private hospitals in South Africa. Background Patients’ dignity is a nursing professional value in high regard. Nurses’ dignity, in particular nurses’ professional dignity, has not been valued equally. Disrespect for nurses' professional dignity impacts on nurses’ motivation to provide nursing care to their full potential. Methods Descriptive phenomenological research was conducted. Eleven professional nurses were interviewed at two private hospitals in the provinces of KwaZulu‐Natal and the Free State of South Africa. Findings The participants were conscious of their ‘professional standing due to own and others’ percipience’. Their professional dignity was influenced by experiences such as perceiving one’s own professional dignity; having contradictory experiences; being proud to be a professional nurse; receiving support, appreciation and respect; providing care in complex situations; performing as a professional nurse; valuing patient well‐being; and being humiliated by others. Conclusion Preserving nurses’ professional dignity is crucial and should be acknowledged and encouraged by managers, health team members and nurses. Implications for nursing/health policy The need for preserving nurses’ professional dignity necessitates the incorporation of professional dignity strategies in healthcare, nursing and education policies.