Resilience and Nursing: A Case Study in Italy

Introduction: Resilience is an integrating concept. Many authors have explored the resilience concept, but in nursing there isn’t a real convergence, in the context of cultures and “theoretical models” adopted. The first aim was to explore if young nurses understand the concept of resilience and social capital. The second was to verify if there is a link between resilience and social capital in nursing work. The third aim was to mark the difference between Resilience and hardiness. Materials and methods: This is a case study; a descriptive research. The sample was “young nurses newly employed at the Parma University Hospital from July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016”. In order to explore their knowledge about resilience and social capital, a concept map was submitted. The records were inserted in T-lab® software to analyze frequencies between terms and in SISA® application for t-analysis. Each nurse was involved in daily writing experience about work, relationships with patients and caregivers, colleagues and organization. Resilience and Social Capital development were measured analyzing keywords association after six months. Results: Nurses were born in different Italian Regions. In words analysis, the main differences were in Resilience and Social Capital definitions between Northern and Southern Nurses. Differences were statistically significant in defining Resilience (p=0, 01 and t=2, 0066) and Social Capital (p=0, 05 and t=2, 0096). The main association, in diary records, was social capital and trust. Discussion: The research produced four results. First, to explain the difference between resilience and hardiness. The second, young nurses developed a better knowledge about Resilience and Social Capital. Third, “Trust” became the first concept related to personal and community development. Fourth, resilience and social capital may be learned, in favorable environments.