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Turbulence in Nursing—A Conceptual and Contextual Exploration

Åvik Persson, Helene LU ; Palm, Anders LU and Samuelson, Karin LU (2026) In Nursing Reports 16(4).
Abstract

Background/Objectives: Contemporary healthcare systems are characterised by rapid change, high workload, and staff shortages, creating conditions that may compromise care quality and generate turbulence in nursing. Turbulence has been discussed in nursing research. However, greater conceptual clarity is needed regarding its underlying factors and implications for nursing work. The aim of this study was to explore and analyse the concept of turbulence in nursing and its related factors. Methods: The study was conducted using the Simultaneous Concept Analysis Method involving a consensus group and a nursing care, expert group and included content validity index ratings as a validation technique. Results: Eight factors related to... (More)

Background/Objectives: Contemporary healthcare systems are characterised by rapid change, high workload, and staff shortages, creating conditions that may compromise care quality and generate turbulence in nursing. Turbulence has been discussed in nursing research. However, greater conceptual clarity is needed regarding its underlying factors and implications for nursing work. The aim of this study was to explore and analyse the concept of turbulence in nursing and its related factors. Methods: The study was conducted using the Simultaneous Concept Analysis Method involving a consensus group and a nursing care, expert group and included content validity index ratings as a validation technique. Results: Eight factors related to turbulence in nursing were identified. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the interrelationships among these factors and their role within the turbulence concept. Based on this model and the demonstrated contextual interconnections, a comprehensive definition of turbulence in nursing was formulated. Conclusions: The study has achieved a deeper understanding of the concept “turbulence in nursing” through the identification of eight different, generally valid turbulence-related factors and their presumed impact on nursing care. A conceptual model of interacting forces in turbulence in nursing has been presented as both a detector and a compass for mapping and counteracting future tendencies toward turbulence in the work environment. The study enables healthcare professionals and leaders to detect and address emerging turbulence in nursing practice and education. By clarifying its underlying major related sources, the model serves as a practical guide for improving the work environment, strengthening team resilience, and ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

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Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
concept analysis, contextual model, nursing care, turbulence
in
Nursing Reports
volume
16
issue
4
article number
119
publisher
MDPI AG
external identifiers
  • pmid:42042646
  • scopus:105037093565
ISSN
2039-439X
DOI
10.3390/nursrep16040119
language
English
LU publication?
yes
additional info
Publisher Copyright: © 2026 by the authors.
id
121ba8f2-acde-4535-8b2b-6e2c89a9cf8e
date added to LUP
2026-05-25 12:17:21
date last changed
2026-09-30 12:29:28
@article{121ba8f2-acde-4535-8b2b-6e2c89a9cf8e,
  abstract     = {{<p>Background/Objectives: Contemporary healthcare systems are characterised by rapid change, high workload, and staff shortages, creating conditions that may compromise care quality and generate turbulence in nursing. Turbulence has been discussed in nursing research. However, greater conceptual clarity is needed regarding its underlying factors and implications for nursing work. The aim of this study was to explore and analyse the concept of turbulence in nursing and its related factors. Methods: The study was conducted using the Simultaneous Concept Analysis Method involving a consensus group and a nursing care, expert group and included content validity index ratings as a validation technique. Results: Eight factors related to turbulence in nursing were identified. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the interrelationships among these factors and their role within the turbulence concept. Based on this model and the demonstrated contextual interconnections, a comprehensive definition of turbulence in nursing was formulated. Conclusions: The study has achieved a deeper understanding of the concept “turbulence in nursing” through the identification of eight different, generally valid turbulence-related factors and their presumed impact on nursing care. A conceptual model of interacting forces in turbulence in nursing has been presented as both a detector and a compass for mapping and counteracting future tendencies toward turbulence in the work environment. The study enables healthcare professionals and leaders to detect and address emerging turbulence in nursing practice and education. By clarifying its underlying major related sources, the model serves as a practical guide for improving the work environment, strengthening team resilience, and ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.</p>}},
  author       = {{Åvik Persson, Helene and Palm, Anders and Samuelson, Karin}},
  issn         = {{2039-439X}},
  keywords     = {{concept analysis; contextual model; nursing care; turbulence}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{4}},
  publisher    = {{MDPI AG}},
  series       = {{Nursing Reports}},
  title        = {{Turbulence in Nursing—A Conceptual and Contextual Exploration}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16040119}},
  doi          = {{10.3390/nursrep16040119}},
  volume       = {{16}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}