INFLUENCE OF WORKING CONDITIONS ON THE ENHANCEMENT OF NURSES’ PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY: Study conducted at the Bolenge General Reference Hospital in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Introduction: The professional identity of nurses is continually constructed and redefined through daily contact with clinical reality, at the crossroads of self-image and institutional recognition. In precarious sub-Saharan environments, the gap between the taught ideal of care and material shortages engenders significant identity crises.
Objective: To analyze in depth the influence of working conditions (physical, organizational, and socioeconomic) on the enhancement of the professional identity of nurses at the Bolenge General Reference Hospital (HGR).
Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative, descriptive, and phenomenological design. Eight (8) nurses of diverse qualifications (A2, A1, L2) were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection relied on individual semi-structured interviews and thematic content analysis.
Results: The findings reveal a major dissonance between identity for oneself (technical reliability, adherence to the oath, and spiritual dedication) and identity for others, which is deeply undermined by financial insecurity (widespread failure of state salary payments), geographic isolation, and institutional marginalization. Healthcare providers systematically resort to parallel subsistence activities. Nevertheless, interdisciplinary cohesion and intergenerational mentoring act as pillars of collective resilience.
Conclusion: Valorizing the nursing identity requires urgent structural measures for salary integration, as well as ergonomic and logistical support, which are essential to secure healthcare pathways in the Équateur Province.
Keywords: Influence, Working condition, Enhancement, Nurse’s professional identity.
