Abstract
Aims: To report on assessing and managing risk, the problem-solving strategies male nurses use to keep themselves safe while providing rehabilitation nursing care.
Design: Constructivist grounded theory. Methods The study consisted of two stages involving semi-structured interviews with 11 male nurses followed by stage 2 observation of practice of 12 male nurses coupled with semi-structured interviews, and 15 patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
Results: A new theorised understanding is presented about assessing and managing risk that involves three phased problem-solving strategies: claiming nursing identity, developing a trusting relationship, and negotiating my scope of practice. The use of problem-solving strategies was often influenced by contextual conditions which could both enable and limit male nurse practice.
Conclusion: Male nurses engaged in active problem-solving strategies to practise safely and effectively within the inpatient rehabilitation environment. The successful implementation of a diverse range of strategies emerged as crucial for male nurses to fully undertake their role.