The 'realities' of part-time nursing: a grounded theory study.

Aim: To develop a theory that explains the 'realities' of part-time nursing.
Background: While little is known about the phenomenon of part-time nursing, increasing numbers of nurses work in part-time employment.
Methods: Grounded theory.
Results: The problem that part-time nurses shared was an inability to achieve their personal optimal nursing potential. Motivators to work part-time, employment hours, specialty, individual and organizational factors formed contextual conditions that led to this problem. Part-time nurses responded to the challenges through a process of adaptation and adjustment.
Conclusion: Harnessing the full productive potential of part-time nurses requires support to limit the difficulties that they encounter. The developed theory provides a valuable guide to managerial action.
Implications for Nursing Practice: Nurse Managers need to consider the developed substantive theory when planning and managing nursing workforces.