PURPOSE
This study was to explore work experience among nurses with low back pain. Specific aims were to identify problems nurses face as workers at a hospital and how they interact with other workers.
METHODS
Grounded theory methodology was utilized. Data were collected from iterative fieldwork with individual in-depth interviews from 9 nurses with low back pain as key informants, and a head nurse and a charge nurse who had experiences working with nurses with low back pain as general informants.
RESULTS
Through constant comparative analysis, a core category emerged as "to make one's own ground". The process of "to make one's own ground" was identified as four categories: perception of limitations, intervening conditions, balancing limitations, and controlling limitations. Intervening conditions were identified as 'working conditions' and 'personal traits'.
CONCLUSION
Findings of the study indicate that there is a need for health professionals and administrators to understand limitations to working experience among nurses with low back pain. In addition, institutional and psychological support program is needed to improve an adaptation to working environment among nurses with low back pain.