The Competencies of Nurses Engaged in Recovery Rehabilitation Nursing

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the competencies of nurses engaged in recovery rehabilitation nursing and to assess difficulty levels involved to develop on-the-job training programs.

Method: Behavioral Event Interview was conducted on 16 nurses who had been working for over three years in a recovery rehabilitation ward. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach.

Results: A total of 190 behaviors of nurses were obtained. After abstraction, a total of 10 competencies were identified as follows: ‘Fostering a caring relationship aimed at overcoming disability'; ‘Gathering information about life after discharge from the beginning of hospitalization'; ‘Maintaining physical and mental condition to aid rehabilitation'; ‘Management the objective towards reconstruction of life'; ‘Promoting behavior modification including interventions to encourage self-efficacy'; ‘Helping preparations for a return home'; ‘Providing support for families'; ‘Instilling belief and enthusiasm among nurses who lack experience in rehabilitation nursing'; ‘Taking a multidisciplinary approach for the benefit of patients and their families'; and ‘Allowing time for reflection and personal growth'. Finally, indications of behavior, scored from 1 to 4 according to level of difficulty, were provided for each competency.

Conclusion: In present study, the competencies of nurses engaged in recovery rehabilitation nursing and those difficulty levels were clarified. It should be verified statistically about the difficulty levels.