Authors
Abstract
Introduction: Work–family Conflict (WFC) is described as a two-sided incompatibility between
the demands of work and family roles. This means that, participation in work roles due to
participation in family roles, or vice versa, is difficult. WFC has been reported in various jobs,
including nursing with several outcomes. Therefore, this study is designed to explain the
experiences of nurses from the consequences of WFC.
Method: This study was conducted based on the qualitative analysis approach. In this study 16
nurses were selected by purposeful sampling. The data was collected through deep and
unstructured interviews. The method of data analysis was inductive content analysis approach.
Results: Of the total 16 participants 12 were female and 4 male. All participants had a
bachelor's degree, and work experience between 4 to 28 years and the average of 14.9 years.
The research findings showed that main category (theme) was decline of self-efficacy with the
following subcategories: 1-failure in family affairs 2-inadvertent negligence in patient care 3-
ignoring themselves.
Conclusion: The findings of the current research showed that nurses under certain conditions,
such as lack of work and family support, double pressure of work due to shortage of nurses and
excessive work and family demands, experience a reduction in their ability to manage work and
family affairs and a decline in their self-efficacy. Decline in self-efficacy increases interaction
between work and family duties therefore, the WFC becomes more severe. In fact a defective
cycle is formed, the results of which are negative outcomes in both work and family domains.
Therefore, in order to prevent the negative consequences of WFC, which are sometimes
irreparable, it is recommended that nurses become familiar with scientific management of WFC,
and be supported comprehensively by their family and hospital. Thus, they will have more
freedom and flexibility, and minimum interference possible in their work and family programs.
Keywords
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