From the Other Side of the Bed: Lived Experiences of Registered Nurses as Family Caregivers

Background: To provide patient- and family-centered care, health care providers must understand the caregiver experience. Evidence suggests that registered nurses functioning as family caregivers (RNFCs) may have unique experiences and challenges. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of RNFCs during an adult family member's episode of care in the southern United States. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to describe the essence of the RNFC experience throughout an episode of care. Twenty-five participants were recruited for semistructured, audiorecorded interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive data analysis and constant comparison techniques. Results: Participants were predominantly female (88%). The essence of the phenomenon was dual roles. Five themes emerged: (1) blurring the boundaries, (2) revealing my identity, (3) having insider knowledge, (4) managing expectations, and (5) learning from my experience. Conclusions: While caregiver experiences may be similar, RNFCs struggle with dual roles of registered nurse and caregiver, occasionally blurring boundaries of care.