An examination of the perceptions of tribalistic behaviours in nursing and how they vary in the journey from student nurse to post qualification

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine perceptions of Tribalistic Behaviours in nursing during the journey from student nurse to post registration. There are concerns regarding the existence of a construct in nursing that promotes a structure of protective behaviours and allegiances within recognised nursing groups, establishing “Them v Us” beliefs (Rozenblit, 2008; Harari 2011). Despite the drive for a more generically skilled nursing workforce and new ways of working (NMC 2018a, NMC 2018b), professional tribes rather than being eradicated, appear to have survived within modern nursing cultures. In the absence of research exploring “Tribalistic Behaviours”, this thesis initially explored existing literature examining potentially aligned signs whilst utilising a semiotic framework. Guided by a qualitative methodology, current nursing students within the last six months of their MSc programme were invited to participate in the research. Mental Health student nurses (n = 6) and Adult student nurses (n = 6) engaged in field specific nursing focus groups and following a period of six months post qualification were also invited to participate in individual semi structured interviews. The study’s findings highlighted specific themes of social civilities and nursing rituals directly influenced by field specific tribalistic behaviours. The study’s findings led to the creation of three new themes as a result of the analysed data. The findings identified that students were exposed to tribalistic behaviours within their nurse education structures from an early stage, before being reinforced within their new clinical tribes in practice. Continued development within their nursing roles over time highlighted a deeper exposure to tribalistic behaviours and an increased awareness of field specific nursing codes and rituals. The new knowledge emerging from this study will heighten awareness of Tribalistic Behaviours in nursing and their encouraged development, along with the implications for nurse education and professional practice. Finally, the study’s limitations were examined, and recommendations were made for future nursing research.