2003 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 5-16
The purposes of this study were 1) to describe the perceptions of nurse directors regarding changes in administrative behaviors and the usefulness of knowledge and skills after completing the Japanese Nursing Association's certified nursing administration course and 2) to clarify the role of nurse administrators, and the knowledge and skills required for this position.
Subjects were 7 nurse directors who had completed the Japanese Nursing Association's certified nursing administration course. Data were collected by means of semi-structured personal interviews, with each interview being tape recorded after obtaining permission of subjects. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques and a number of relevant categories were determined.
The following findings were obtained :
1. The motivation for learning nursing administration was as follows : ｢these skills were needed in order to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the position｣, ｢to gain support from superiors and the organization｣, ｢a desire to undertake continuing education｣, ｢these skills were required due to change and expansion of the organization｣.
2. Changes in skills or behavior after completion of the course were as follows : ｢becoming involved in the management of the organization ｣, ｢improved relationships with colleagues and members of the administrative team｣, ｢improvement and progress in negotiation skills｣, ｢implementing changes in the organization and starting the new ventures｣, ｢expansion of roles inside and outside the organization｣, ｢expansion of the network to include nurse administrators who work outside organization｣, ｢becoming involved in continuing education｣.
3. Required areas of competency for nurse directors were : business management, strategic planning, analysis and resolution of problems, negotiation, communication skills.
4. Knowledge and skills acquired from the course that were useful in nursing administration were related to : business management, medical economics, financial management, accounting, and marketing.
This study suggests the importance of providing opportunities for continuing education and showed that ongoing active learning for nurse administrators is essential.
