Like a fire brigade, but without pay - Experiences of temporary employment among workers in Swedish elder care

Abstract

This study investigates experiences of temporary work among care personnel in elder care. Semi-structured interviews were performed with fifteen temporarily employed care personnel in municipal nursing homes or home care and analysed using phenomenography. The informants’ experiences of having temporary employment were characterised by either a sense of flexibility or, more commonly, uncertainty, lack of control over life, time and economic situation, as well as difficulties associated with always being available. The informants’ experiences of working as temporary employees were characterised by the enjoyment of work and job satisfaction, differing experiences regarding the division of work and communication, but also being in an exposed position. The results reflect an experience of being in a vulnerable position. Taking these results into consideration in developing interventions to enhance the working conditions for temporarily employed might as a secondary result decrease the turnover and increase the continuity of the care for the elder.