Análisis de la doble presencia en licenciadas en enfermería del servicio de oncología de un hospital de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Abstract

This case study analyzed the impact of dual presence on female nurses working in the pediatric oncology unit of a hospital in Guayaquil, evaluating how the constant demands of balancing work and non-work responsibilities affect staff health and, consequently, impact the quality of care for pediatric cancer patients. A mixed-methods approach was used, applying the Padilla-Larzabal dual presence questionnaire to 18 registered nurses and supplementing it with semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that 83.3% of the staff are at psychosocial risk of dual presence, with 50% at high risk and 33.3% at moderate risk. The most affected dimensions were cognitive interference and role overload (72.2% at high risk). Qualitative analysis showed that double presence manifests in the practical dimension, related to household chores after the shift, and the cognitive dimension, due to constant worry about the home during the workday. Although one mitigating factor was identified, external support in caring for dependents, it is concluded that the phenomenon of double presence persists and directly affects the quality of patient care, requiring both individual and institutional action. Based on these results, intervention strategies were proposed that focused on time management and resilience, active breaks, flexible schedules, and the creation of support programs for female graduates with dependents, with the aim of ensuring both workplace well-being and patient care.