Strategies to instil attitudes that honour the perceived dignity of nursing lecturers

Dignity is inherent, although how lecturers within nursing education institutions perceive dignity is determined by their professional image, their perceptions of respect they receive (Sabatino, Kangasniemi, Rocco, Alvaro & Stievano, 2016:278), and their self-image. Working environments contribute to perceptions of dignity. Internal and external stakeholders can create conducive environments that instil attitudes that honour the perceived dignity of nursing lecturers. Autonomous functioning within the working environment (Lukasse & Henriksen, 2019:1568) and where lecturers are valued shows respect, but the opposite happens when this does not occur. Unfortunately, when faced with demanding situations and exposed to disrespect or feelings of humiliation, one’s sense of dignity is perceived as compromised or violated. The increase in student enrolment may lead to a decline in the quality of education, as lecturers find it difficult to render quality education.

Methodology

Phase 1: a transcendental (descriptive) phenomenological research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected lecturers until data saturation occurred. Data analysis revealed the essence of the phenomenon, and the supporting constituents were identified.

Phase 2: used the findings from phase 1 to draft emergent strategies that meet the "Agree" criterion that was then refined during five focus group discussions, with purposely selected lecturers contributing to the refining of all strategies and actions to instil attitudes that honour the perceived dignity of nursing lecturers.

Results/Findings

The research revealed factors that influence nursing lecturers’ perceived dignity with an essence of ‘longing for professional dignity’ and its supporting constituents of acknowledging nursing lecturers as specialists, enhancing their self-determination, acknowledging their capabilities, promoting collegiality within the nursing education institution, creating conducive teaching environments, being respected by students, and being perceived as people possessing integrity. The findings from both phases with the AGREE criterion led to the formulation of strategies to instil attitudes that honour the perceived dignity of nursing lecturers.