Abstract
AIM: This study aims to describe and interpret what it is school nurses strive to achieve for themselves in order to remain in practice. DESIGN: A qualitative study with a hermeneutic approach. METHOD: The data were collected by means of in-depth interviews with 15 Norwegian school nurses on two separate occasions and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in the following themes: (1) trusting your own professional ability, (2) aspiring to appreciation and (3) accomplishing self-care. These themes were reflected in the school nurses' choices and actions and were regarded as an expression of what was of value to them as a nurse. Thus, the nurses' realizing what they strived to achieve for themselves can comprehensively be understood as a good of higher value for their remaining in nursing practice.