Table 2.
Outline of narrative types
| Working in spirit of serving humanity n=12 | Working against all odds n=15 | Working in a functional system and facing pressures of high accountability n=14 |
|---|---|---|
| • Young and motivated nurse | • Demotivated | • Motivated |
| • Seeing sick recover gratifies her | • Put off by patients’ disrespectful behavior | • Enjoys work in a clean and safe environment (security, supplies, equipment) |
| • Better access to care for her and family | • Media does not portray a good picture of nurses and it should | |
| • Information source is medical representatives | ||
| • No respect by patients but continues to work | • No security at night | • Respected by doctors and coworkers |
| • Good relationship with administration and wants to have opportunities in future | • Shortage of staff and supplies | • Compensation for overtime not satisfactory |
| • Grade not improved even after years of service | ||
| • Coping with long working hours with support from family | • Long working hours and not enough time for own children and family | • Support from other departments, eg, housekeeping |
| • Get allowances as part of salary (uniform and ration allowance) | • Accountability high and keeps them on their toes | |
| • Has permanent job and pension | ||
| • Has access to doctors even though drugs have to be purchased | • Renewal of contracts based on appraisal reports | |
| • Working in private sector to supplement | • System for addressing problems | |
| • Less opportunities for training | • Inservice training | |
| • No overtime or working for holidays | • Recognition and award system functional | |
| • Responsibilities clearly defined |