Nursing and policy: nurses perspectives on ending hallway healthcare in Ontario

Abstract

Drawing from elements of street-level bureaucracy this thesis examines the experiences and perspectives of six nurses (registered practical nurses and registered nurses) and their work with patients designated as alternate level of care (ALC) in an era within which policy initiatives include an end to hallway healthcare. Policies to end hallway healthcare focus on providing patients with the right care in the right location. Little attention has been focused on the impact of nursing on policy implementation. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study paid particular attention to the realities of everyday work in various hospitals throughout Ontario. The findings show that nurses have differing levels of awareness and understanding of policy. Further, they feel removed from policy planning and decision-making. This calls for attention of nursing institutions (education and workplace), professional associations, researchers and policymakers to help bridge this gap.