Betty (a pseudonym) already had a new university education
at the time of her first interview. She told her story in
a good-humored way, often laughing. During her story, Betty
mentioned frequently that her nursing job had mostly been
“nice” and the patients were also mostly “nice”. There were
some more dramatic stories—for example, an unsuccessful
resuscitation of a small baby—but mainly her nursing careerstory was positive and optimistic. She had, however, stayed in
her nursing career for quite a short time.
Cecilia (a pseudonym)was very calmand analytical when
telling her story. Her narratives were well structured, and
she used a flowing narrative style to tell her stories. Cecilia
hadmainly enjoyed nursing work and taking care of patients.
She had a strong sense of treating other people in a fair and
just way. During her time at the nursing school confidential
tasks were already being given to Cecilia, and teachers were
saying that she would become a good teacher. She had
already begun to be interested in management when she
was in the nursing school and was willing to develop herself
professionally from the beginning of her nursing career.