Nursing in metamorphosis: the profession and its image explored

Abstract

This thesis explores perceptions of nursing held by a range of stakeholders at the beginning of the 21st century. Using a constructivist methodology, this study locates nursing within the current context of healthcare, acknowledging the historical and socio-political influences which have contributed to shaping nursing’s identity and nursing work. The use of a case study approach as the mode for constructivist inquiry draws on an understanding of this approach as a ‘depth examination of an instance’ (Lincoln and Guba, 1985 p.360). This recognises the contemporary and time bound nature of the study, located in a time of modernisation and change within both nursing and the wider National Health Service.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton
Supervisor	Kay Aranda (Supervisor) & Philip Mandy (Supervisor)