Positive aspects of working with people with dementia from the perspective of early-career nurses in Austria – A qualitative study

Despite a predominantly negative image of dementia care among nursing students, some newly qualified nurses decide to pursue a career in this field. The project responds to this by systematically analysing the positive experiences of these nurses, and it may consequently contribute to develop attractive career paths for young nurses in dementia care.

The aim of the study is to explore and understand positive aspects and experiences when working in the field of dementia care from the perspective of early-career nurses (with a maximum of five years of working experience).

Thus, within this study we aim to answer the following research questions:

• What are the positive aspects of working with individuals affected by dementia from the perspective of early-career nurses working in the field of dementia care?
• What are the positive experiences made by early-career nurses working in the field of dementia care?
• What are the factors which positively influence early-career nurses to choose a career in dementia care?

To answer these questions, we conduct qualitative interviews with early-career nurses who decided to work in the field of dementia care. The interviews will be analysed with reflexive thematic analysis.

Knowledge of the positive aspects and experiences of working with people with dementia from the perspective of early-career nurses may help to revise the negative image of dementia. The results may be integrated in undergraduate education of nurses as these years of undergraduate courses are considered highly influential in terms of career development. The knowledge gained may be used to promote attractive career choices in dementia care for young nurses and to counteract existing stereotypes.