Difficulties Faced by New Nurses with Developmental Disorders or Tendencies Toward Such Disorders in Carrying Out Their Duties

Abstract

〔Objective〕To identify the difficulties new nurses with or tendencies toward developmental disabilities face in performing their duties, based on stakeholder perceptions.

〔Method〕Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four nurses with 2–4 years of clinical experience who had developmental disabilities or tendencies toward them. The interview data were examined using qualitative descriptive analysis.

〔Results〕Ten core categories were identified as difficulties for new nurses with or tendencies toward developmental disabilities in performing their duties: “uncoordinated behavior,” “insufficient retention of working memory,” “inability to self-regulate emotions,” “false self-interpretation and self-centered priorities,” “forced assistance with insufficient confirmation,” “difficulty changing behavior,” “inexperience with nursing techniques,” “disappointment in not finding a solution,” “disconnect between ideal self and reality,” and “isolation from ward staff.”

〔Conclusions〕The perceptions nurses with or tendencies toward developmental disabilities have of their difficulties differ from the perceptions of their supporters’ perception of their difficulties, which may lead to prejudice and discrimination. Therefore, their supporters should have knowledge about developmental disabilities and make efforts to understand the subject.