Motherhood experiences of nurses receiving postgraduate education: A phenomenological research study

Trying to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities as a student, nurse, and mother can be challenging due to pressures from overlapping time management. This study was conducted to explore the experiences of graduate students who work as nurses and are mothers. The qualitative phenomenological data for this study were gathered from nurses at a training and research hospital between August and November 2022, utilizing face-to-face interviews. The study cohort comprised twelve nurses aged 28 to 48, all actively engaged in postgraduate education. Data were collected using a descriptive information form and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was executed through inductive coding, facilitated by the Max Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA) Analytics Pro2022 software. Four central themes were developed: “Experiences During the Breastfeeding Process,” “Positive Effects,” “Encountered Challenges,” and “Expectations.” The findings underscored that nurses who are mothers and pursuing postgraduate education encounter difficulties throughout their academic pursuits, notably attributed to working conditions and professional cultural values. •Nurse mothers face challenges in postgraduate education due to societal expectations.•It is important to support nurse mothers to continue their postgraduate education.•Nurse mothers encounter difficulties in breastfeeding their infants.•Completing postgraduate education gives nurses a sense of accomplishment and success.