Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the appeal of nursing and care work in a chronic psychiatric ward and, specifically, where the appeal lay in performing work in such an environment. A semi-structured interview was conducted with nineteen nurses from a chronic psychiatric ward. A continuous comparative analysis of the interviews was performed by using the Grounded Approach Theory. A characteristic feature of the working environment in a chronic psychiatric ward seemed to be "An area covered with a seemingly stagnant atmosphere." However, having a "role that aided in promoting social rehabilitation" appeared to be a particular point of appeal. By taking on this role, nurses were able to utilize their nursing care abilities in full and perhaps even change the outlook of patients who had "resigned themselves to giving up." Subsequently, an "enthusiasm for the nursing profession" was observed as being a direct result of this interaction and involvement with the patient. The enthusiasm for the nursing profession as acknowledged by nurses working in a chronic psychiatric ward was divided into three categories and ten subcategories. Although the working environment was stated to be a disadvantage at first, the appeal was stated to largely be "patients who do not fit into a particular preconceived framework," the opportunity for "deep interpersonal understanding," and the "ability to feel deeply regarding nursing care for patients with chronic conditions."
