La place de la religion/spiritualité dans la reconstruction du sens du travail de soin : le cas des infirmiers algériens

Abstract

Introduction

As part of an academic research, we are interested in how do Algerian nurses deal with their care work experience and its impacts on their relationship with patients through the study of the mechanisms mobilized by these professionals.

Method and results

We have conducted semi-structured interviews that revealed reasons for job dissatisfaction related to working conditions, relationship conflicts, therapeutic failure, patient death and lack of recognition. Job satisfaction was linked to the success of the therapy and to the satisfaction/recognition of the patient and his “prayers”; thus, for caregivers the satisfaction of the patient and his “prayers” allowed them to get closer to the divine, a kind of “a divine rapprochement/benefit”, “a protection for them and their family”, they argued thus by insisting on the role of the patient and caring in the Muslim religion.

Discussion

According to the religious texts discussed, the patient is given a “sacred status” since he or she is closed to God. When experiencing patients suffering, or even their distress, these professionals will transpose the sacred into the act of care taking and bind themselves to a higher power to deal with this painful experience, death and finitude. The meaning found through religion/spirituality would thus allow caregivers to find a psychological appeasement and stability and to face existential questions related to their work.

Conclusion

Dealing with existential distress, “religious/spiritual” responses, which originate in the social imagination, allow caregivers to transcend the painful reality, the absurdity and incoherence of daily life and “find meaning”, which is assimilated by several authors to “sublimation”.