Professionalism of nurses working in geriatric intermediate care facilities

6^th World Nursing and Healthcare Conference

August 15-17, 2016 London, UK

Chiharu Miyata

Kyushu University Graduate School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

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 these facilities are also changing. In spite of ineligible changes of nursing standards in these facilities, 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 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 intermediate 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.

Biography :

Chiharu Miyata, RN, Master of Nursing Science, completed her Dr. of Human Health Science from Kyoto University School of Medicine, Japan. She is the associate professor of Kyushu University of Nursing and Health Sciences in Japan. She has published several books and papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Email: cmiyata@hs.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp