ABSTRACT
Over the past 15 years, a growing number of nurses have been working with congregations as parish nurses and in other community health nursing roles. The majority of related research has focused on describing nursing activities in congregational settings. This qualitative research study sought to understand the client's experience of receiving nursing care in the context of a congregation. Eleven individuals, who utilized nursing services provided in 2 urban Catholic churches, were interviewed. Content analysis revealed distinctive attributes participants experienced in the nurse-client interaction, including the manner of care, the focus of care, and the outcomes achieved. The ambiance, convenience, time for interaction, and reflection of the connection between faith and health were seen as distinctive characteristics of the congregational setting. Community health nurses need to be aware of the impact of setting on clients and the potential synergistic effect achieved through providing health services in a congregation.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Catholicism , Community Health Nursing/organization & administration , Aged , Female , Humans , Job Description , Male , Middle Aged , Nurse-Patient Relations , Nursing Methodology Research , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Across the nation, a new group of students is electing to enter nursing--those with degrees or work experience in other areas. To address the special needs of these individuals, Taste of Nursing was developed by faculty in a school of nursing in conjunction with local hospitals. This three-session adult education workshop was designed to increase participants' understanding of the satisfaction, frustrations, and opportunities within nursing as well as routes to preparation for this career. Suggestions are presented for program variations that might broaden the workshop's scope.
