Like a fire brigade, but without pay - Experiences of temporary employment among workers in Swedish elder care
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: • The results reflect an experience of being in a vulnerable position. • Experiencing uncertainty, lack of control, constant availability, an exposed position. • But also, flexibility, enjoyment of work and job satisfaction. This study investigates experiences of temporary work among care personnel in elder care. Semi-structured interviews were performed with fifteen temporarily employed care personnel in municipal nursing homes or home care and analysed using phenomenography. The informants’ experiences of having temporary employment were characterised by either a sense of flexibility or, more commonly, uncertainty, lack of control over life, time and economic situation, as well as difficulties associated with always being available. The informants’ experiences of working as temporary employees were characterised by the enjoyment of work and job satisfaction, differing experiences regarding the division of work and communication, but also being in an exposed position. The results reflect an experience of being in a vulnerable position. Taking these results into consideration in developing interventions to enhance the working conditions for temporarily employed might as a secondary result decrease the turnover and increase the continuity of the care for the elder.
Source: Geriatric Nursing
Authors: B. Wiitavaara, A. Strömberg, J-C. Mutiganda, M. Svensson, D.M. Hallman, S. Svensson
Institutions: University of Gävle, Åbo Akademi University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,120
OpenAlex ID: W4402975919