Professionalism of Nurses Working In Geriatric Intermediate Care Facilities: An Analysis Using Semi-Structured Interviews
Abstract
Chiharu Miyata and Hidenori Arai
Background: Japan is getting older and older. More than 26% of the population is 65 years or over. Therefore, the needs and quality of geriatric nursing should be improved. At the same time, the standards and requirements in geriatric intermediate care facilities (GIFs) are also changing. However, the quality of geriatric care in Japan is not in a satisfied level. In order to improve the quality of geriatric nursing, reconsidering professionalism in nurses is crucial. Moreover, it is important to address appropriate working environment of nurses to develop, maintain and enhance their professionalism.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to obtain insights to the professionalism of nurses in geriatric intermediate care facilities from the perspectives and experiences of geriatric care. Methodology: A qualitative exploratory descriptive research design was used in this study. The study participants were three clinical nurse specialists of geriatric nursing and five nurse managers from geriatric care facilities. A purposive sampling was used.
Results: Five descriptive themes related to the professionalism of nurses in geriatric care facilities were identified: autonomy, comprehensive care, patient advocacy, educational activities, and work with other specialists.
Conclusions: Professionalism identified in this study is similar to that of clinical nurses that was reported previous studies. However, some sub-categories indicate the characteristics of geriatric care facilities, such as decision making when a physician is absent, which is included in autonomy, and the life model, which is included comprehensive care.