Medication administration in nursing homes: A qualitative study of the nurse role

AIMS: The objective of this study was to expand the knowledge of the nurse role during medication administration in the context of nursing homes. The following research question guided the study: How can the nurse role during medication administration in nursing homes be described? DESIGN: A QUAL–qual mixed study design was applied. METHODS: Data were collected using partial participant observations and semi‐structured interviews of all staff members involved in medication administration. An inductive content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Medication administration is a pervasive process ingrained in the day‐to‐day activities of providing care to the patients. The nurse role is compensating, flexible and adaptable. There is a dynamic interaction between several contributory factors, those being shifting responsibility, a need for competence, invisible leadership, varying available competence, staff stability and vulnerable shifts.