ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, work perceptions, and factors influencing employment of second-career certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in nursing homes. The qualitative descriptive design included a purposeful sample of 17 participants from 5 nursing homes. Data generation consisted of demographic surveys and audiotaped interviews that were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for emerging themes. Four themes were identified: negative first impressions of the work did not deter second-career CNAs, second-career CNAs lived out personal ideals and values through their work, positive relationships and job benefits retained second-career CNAs, and second-career CNAs expressed hopes for transforming nursing homes. Results revealed a group of committed, mature workers to fill labor shortages in an essential health care setting.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Career Choice , Job Satisfaction , Nursing Assistants/psychology , Nursing Homes , Adult , Aged , Colorado , Employment/psychology , Female , Forecasting , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nursing Administration Research , Nursing Assistants/education , Nursing Assistants/organization & administration , Nursing Methodology Research , Personnel Loyalty , Personnel Selection , Personnel Staffing and Scheduling , Qualitative Research , Salaries and Fringe Benefits , Surveys and Questionnaires , WorkforceSubject(s)
Attitude to Health , Choice Behavior , Nursing Homes/standards , Quality of Health Care/standards , Aged , Aged, 80 and over/psychology , Colorado , Diffusion of Innovation , Evidence-Based Medicine/organization & administration , Family/psychology , Focus Groups , Humans , Information Dissemination , Knowledge , Long-Term Care/psychology , Long-Term Care/standards , Needs Assessment , Nursing Methodology Research , Patient Education as Topic , Qualitative Research , Quality Assurance, Health Care/organization & administration , Quality Indicators, Health Care , Quality of Life , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Health and spiritual phenomena are viewed differently depending on the cultural perspective. This study describes spirituality as perceived and experienced by older Thai persons. Specific aims were to describe how spirituality helped older Thai persons maintain their health and to describe what they valued most as they aged. A qualitative, descriptive study informed by ethnographic methods was utilized. The sample included 9 older Thai persons from an urban U.S. community. Data were generated using ethnographic interviews and participant observation. Data analysis incorporated coding, categorizing, and theme development. Rigor was guided by Lincoln and Guba. Five major themes emerged from the data: Connecting with spiritual resources provided comfort and peace, finding harmony through a healthy mind and body, living a valuable life, valuing tranquil relationships with family and friends, and experiencing meaning and confidence in death. For these Thai participants, health and spirituality coexisted and were linked to all of life.
