Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the process of change in the nurses' perception of their care and their nursing practice.
Method: The research was conducted based upon the action research. Participants were fifteen nurses in the child and adult ward. The researcher facilitated the “Kobanashi”(study sessions) where the data from the observations and interviews with patients and their families and the results of the various nursing researches were presented to the nurses.
Results: At the beginning of this study, the nurses' attitudes appeared as though they had acquired a work style in which they focused only on performing at a minimum and ceased concerning themselves with other issues in the care of the patients. They constantly experienced feelings of frustration and helplessness. Until starting those sessions, they were not entirely open-minded about the remarks from the patients because they took them as criticism. Through the collaborative work, the nurses found a different point of view when considering patients' opinions and reviewing their work. They started to integrate their professional knowledge and nursing practice by participating in the Kobanashi. They discussed the issues among themselves, conceived ideas of actions for improvement.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that support and an environment for open discussion among nurses are necessary to improve the care of both children and adults.
