Background: The aim of this study is to explore experiences of an idle talk in nursing
occupational field by means of the qualitative study to understand working atmospheres.
Design: Qualitative study is used by this current study.
Participants: This current study applied the theoretical sampling. Participants who met the criteria of this study were recruited.
Methods: By using an interview guide, face to face interviews were conducted for all the purposes of this research. Grounded Theory was used to understand the subjects’experiences of an idle talk in nursing organizations.
Findings: Results of this research are shown as below: a. The main contents of an idle talk: changing- shifts, comments on their supervisors, critiques about doctors’ attitudes and abilities, complaints about the attitudes and abilities of the colleagues, issues related to families and patients; b. Functions of an idle talk: stress reliefs and supports; c. Expressions of an idle talk: negative emotions; d. Feelings of hearing an idle talk related to oneself: anger, frustrations, depressions , moods going down, and disturbances; e. Coping methods related to hearing an idle talk about oneself: ignorance or clarifications; f. Feelings after an idle talk: short-term stress reliefs, and worries about others’ revenges.
Conclusion: Idle talks have functions of stress relief and the effectiveness of making an individual feel better. Idle talks can provide people with the emotional distance and the effect of distraction. Moreover, idle talks are one kinds of power practice.
Relevance to clinical practice: Health care organizations were suggested to build up an open and frank communicative environment. Educational and training programs related to changing individual behaviors to face negative idle talks and building up better working atmosphere are suggested.
