Abstract

To examine how nursing aides in nursing homes perceived their caring work. Twenty-four nursing aides from one public and one private nursing home in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China were selected and interviewed in focus groups. Phenomenological analysis was performed. Two themes (positive and negative working experiences) and six sub-themes were drawn: companionship, happiness, trust, achievement, hard work, and grievance. A reasonable work arrangement, positive psychological intervention, and the strengthening of professional, medical and social supports are recommended to improve the work quality and satisfaction of nursing aides in elderly homes.

Keywords: Focus groups; Interviews; Nursing aides; Nursing homes; Qualitative research