A Preliminary Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Presenteeism Among Taiwanese Nursing Staff

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of presenteeism among Taiwanese nursing staffs. BACKGROUND: Presenteeism is a subjective and multifaceted experience, but nurses have rarely been invited to provide their own views of presenteeism. METHODS: A qualitative study based on content analysis was conducted. Fifteen participants were recruited. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Four key categories and their subcategories were identified: 1) burden of being forced to attend work; 2) physical or mental discomfort; 3) predisposing factors; and 4) binding duty. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study provides guidance for administrators to establish a healthy workplace and maintain quality patient care. Managers should understand the predisposing factors that lead to absenteeism, such as insufficient staffing, and propose effective measures. This study contributes to the development of research and measurement tools, adds preliminary data, and explores nursing staff presenteeism.