A Phenomenological Study on Happiness Experienced by Career Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning and essence of happiness by exploring and describing career nurses' lived experiences. METHODS: Qualitative research was used in this study. Hospital nurses who had 3~5 years of experience in the clinical setting were interviewed and the data were analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: Six main meanings and seventeen themes emerged. The six main meanings were as follows: self-confidence as a professional nurse, passion for self-realization, feeling of satisfaction in performance of nursing care, being grateful for working environment, emotional intimacy in interpersonal relationships, and taking delight and pleasure in leisure life. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide deep understanding of happiness as positive experiences that increase job satisfaction and aid retention to the nursing profession. These results can be used in the development of effective strategies to improve and expand nurses' happiness.

Lived Experiences of New Graduate Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of new graduate nurses in personal life and in clinical setting during their first year. METHODS: Eleven new graduate nurses were interviewed and the data were analyzed using the Giorgi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: The main results of this research were negative experiences such as poor nursing skills, inability to enjoy personal life, physical exhaustion and health problems, and uncertainty of nursing values. On the other hand, there were some positive aspects on their minds: adjustmental/developmental needs, sense of responsibility, receptive capability, and proficiency with their work. They gradually found themselves being endured and changing to adapt. CONCLUSION: Transition from students to staff nurses is a very stressful experience for new graduate nurses. It may negatively affect their personal lives as well. However they tried to keep themselves positive to overcome their difficulties. It is necessary for them to be given time, a systematic program, and a supportive environment to adapt.

Comparison of Functional Recovery Status according to Rehabilitation Therapy in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of rehabilitation therapy on functional recovery in chronic stroke patients. METHOD: Brunnstrom stage for neurologic recovery, modified Barthel index (MBI) for functional recovery, and possi bility of gait were assessed in 66 chronic stroke patients. MBI and possibility of gait were compared the patients who received rehabilitation therapy (Rehab patients) with the patients who did not receive rehabilitation therapy (non- Rehab patients) in each Brunnsrom stage. RESULTS: In Brunnstrom stage III, 13 of 15 Rehab patients could walk 10 m or more, but none of 7 non-Rehab patients could walk independently, and this difference was statistically significant. MBI score was also significantly higher in Rehab patients than non-Rehab patients (71.3 vs 18.9, p=0.000) in Brunnstrom stage III. In Brunnstrom stage IV, V, VI, MBI score and possibility of gait were higher in Rehab patients than non-Rehab patients, but not significant. CONCLUSION: We can confirm the effect of rehabilitation therapy on functional recovery, and this effect seems to be more decisive in neurologically low recovery status patients.