| Description |
This qualitative study explored, described, and interpreted the meaning of life experiences of doctoral-prepared women nurse faculty in baccalaureate programs in institutions of higher education. The research was conducted in order to fill the void that exists in the literature on what is known about the lives of women generally and women nurse educators specifically and to provide models for other nurse educators and women who are looking for guidance and validation. Because of the inherent relationship of nursing to the female gender, as well as a review of the literature indicating that gender issues are prevalent in the lives of women, the effect of gender on the life experiences of the participants also was explored. A combined feminist, ethnographic, and life-history approach was used for the research design. Data were collected using a life-path description and a life-history interview. Data were analyzed qualitatively, and emergent themes were identified. Each woman's story was written by condensing the life-history interview. The emergent themes were described using thick verbatim quotes. One theme, which was intertwined with all others, was interdependence. The women's life stories reflected commitment to themselves and their interests such as careers, which were accentuated and balanced in different ways at different times with the importance of commitments to relationships with others. Additional themes included significant people, marriage, children, higher education issues such as administrative and collegial support, multiple life roles, age-related issues, and rural living, as well as themes such as violence, racism, and war. Gender did not emerge as significant a theme as it had in the literature, but this may be due to the age cohort of the women or the data collection approach. Further research is recommended in order to understand this outcome regarding gender. The 7 women were partners in the research, and all of the results were reviewed by the women for validity and anonymity. Their stories are filled with honesty and emotion, and they provide wonderful insights into the lives of women, making an invaluable contribution towards building a knowledge base about women. |
