Nursing practice in a hospital context : the subjective experiences of four female nurses : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in nursing at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the practice of four female registered nurses in a hospital context. It examines the degree of control these nurses feel they have over what they do and how they practice. The influence of other members of the health team on that practice is explored.

Socialist feminist theory has provided the framework and feminist research the methodology for the investigation of female nurses' perceptions of their work and the forces that shape and control the practise of nursing at present.

That the structure within which nurses work constrains their practice is demonstrated in this study. It is however the structure of the nursing profession and the relations between nurses which is seen to have the most impact on nursing practice.