Using Iterative Cycles of Discovery Within a Glaserian Grounded Theory of Socialization in Compassion

In 2007, I embarked on an exploratory study to understand the professional socialization experiences of student nurses within 21st-century nursing in the United Kingdom. The study enabled me to develop postgraduate research expertise and gain a PhD, as well as add to the body of knowledge on nursing education that could enable development of an improved student experience and improved professional preparation for clinical practice. During the early phases of the study, it became clear that grounded theory was the best “fit” for my epistemological position on the knowledge of social reality and for the focus on student nurse socialization. However, the journey of discovery using grounded theory was not without its challenges. This case study illustrates some of the challenges and opportunities when using grounded theory. It demonstrates the iterative processes that enable emergence of new understanding grounded in participants’ experiences. It also demonstrates the challenges of discovering a plethora of approaches described as grounded theory alongside my decision to adopt a traditional Glaserian approach within my study. My PhD study found that student nurses experienced challenges within their socialization in compassionate practice. Their socialization created dissonance between the professional ideals of compassionate practice and the practice reality. The findings from my study preceded a significant refocus on compassion during 2012 within UK nursing as well as all National Health Service practice and professions.