Nurses working in intellectual disability‐specific settings talk about the uniqueness of their role : a qualitative study

Abstract

Aims: To explore the perceptions of Australian nurses working in disability‐specific settings and/or roles, about: (a) nursing people with intellectual and developmental disability living in Sydney; and (b) the utility and applicability of professional practice standards designed specifically for intellectual and developmental disability nursing. Design: A qualitative research design was used to guide the study and our analysis utilized the constant comparative approach to thematic data analyses. Methods: Individual in‐person interviews were conducted with 18 nurses working in intellectual and developmental disability‐specific settings and/or roles across the state of New South Wales between July – December, 2017. Participants described what it is that sets intellectual and developmental disability nursing apart from other nursing specialties, and the rewards and challenges of their role. Questions were also asked about professional practice standards in general and more specifically intellectual and developmental disability professional practice standards. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: Three themes reflected intellectual and developmental disability nurses’ perceptions: (a) a unique investment in the nurse/patient dyad; (b) a bridge between disparate systems; and (c) an ambiguous future. Nurses reported variable understanding of professional practice standards designed for intellectual and developmental disability nursing, but also a belief in their importance. Conclusion: The intellectual and developmental disability nurses’ experience of care accounts for the specific needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disability and suggests the importance of professional practice standards which acknowledge the changing landscape of care in Australia prompted by the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.