Efficacy of a Reflection-Based Program for Novice Public Health Nurses to Improve Practical Skills for Individual Support

Abstract

　This study was conducted to implement a learning program for novice public health nurses to improve practical skills for individual support through reflection, and to examine the efficacy of the program based on the content of realizations and learning took place in the nurses who participated in the program.

　This program comprised a total of nine hours of lectures and group work three times approximately every two months, as well as self-learning. The content described by students in the worksheets used was rendered as data and subject to content analysis to determine what kind of realizations and learning took place through reflection.

　A total of 20 students who participated in all components of the program were subject to analysis. The core categories of reflection extracted from the data were“ realizations about the need to know oneself,” “ realizations about the need for support from surrounding people,” “ awareness as a professional,” “ reviewing the implementation,” “ realizations about the impact of support,” and “ experiencing personal growth.”

　The results confirmed that implementing this program promotes reflection among novice public health nurses and has a certain effect on improving the practices of these nurses while they confront themselves, review the direction of their assistance as a supporter, and receive aid from those involved with individual support.