Nurse Researcher Identity and Reflexivity in IPA: A personal narrative

Citation

McIntosh G (2023) Nurse Researcher Identity and Reflexivity in IPA: A personal narrative [Nurse Researcher Identity and Reflexivity in IPA]. Nurse Researcher. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2023.e1870

Abstract
Abstract Aim: This personal narrative will highlight how reflexive processes allow novice nurse-researchers to develop self-awareness, overcome tensions and navigate the dual identities as nurses transition into the role of researcher. Discussion: Participating in reflexive activities during the research process offers the researcher a biography of the experience, encouraging examination of thoughts and feelings, that can inform, and enhance the quality research, as well as the confidence of the researcher. Transitioning from nurse to researcher can be complex and include professional and ethical dilemmas, creating conflict when nurses adopt and adjust to the new role. Reflexivity offers opportunities to identify and examine these dilemmas and tensions and support nurses as they move into research roles. Conclusion: Nurses hold onto their professional identity as they transition into research, viewing the researcher identity as complementary to their initial clinical professional role. Dual-professional identity connects healthcare and research; however, it also creates challenges for nurses and should therefore be given more attention. Recommendations: More research is needed to examine the path from nurse to researcher and examine why nurses remain committed to their professional nurse identity. As nurse-researchers are becoming commonplace in healthcare environments, research education programmes need to include strategies to help novice researchers navigate the tensions between nursing and researcher identity.

Keywords
Qualitative Research, Researcher Identity

Journal
Nurse Researcher

People

Dr Gwenne McIntosh

Senior Lecturer in Nursing, Health Sciences Stirling