Roles and Functions of the Rehabilitational Nurse Practitioner Expected by Nurses and Doctors in Rehabilitation Hospital / 재활간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the role and function of the RNP (rehabilitational nurse practitioner) expected by nurses and doctors. METHOD: This study was a survey. The data were collected 188 nurses and 21 doctors who worked for disabled patients in the rehabilitation hospital during months of June, 2004 and August, 2005. RESULTS: 98.4% of nurse and 61.9% of doctors agreed at opening of RNP course. The major role of RNP expected by nurses were educator, counsellor and case manager. The major role of RNP expected by doctors were direct care, self care promoter & exercise and emotional care. There was a significant difference about the need for opening of RNP course and major role and function of RNP between the group of nurses and doctors. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the need for opening of RNP was identified and the major role of RNP was educator, counsellor, case manager and direct care. So there is a need for further research about major role of RNP related to various setting including rehabilitation hospital, nursing home, home care etc.