Perceptions of Visiting Care Nurses Related to Specified Medical Acts: In Response to the Introduction of Training Programs for Specified Medical Acts

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the perceptions of visiting nurses on specified medical acts. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 visiting nurses with ≥5 years of experience as visiting nurses. Obtained data was analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach, and eight categories were generated. The basis of visiting nurses’ perceptions of specified medical acts were characterized by pressures of being on duty alone and concerns about the effects on the patients and their families. Fundamentally, visiting nurses valued their pursuit for nursing with empathy for patients and families and confirming their primary roles as visiting nurses. Through their experiences involving their effort to save lives and troubles related to relationships with physicians, they demonstrated their expectations for specified medical acts and determination to fulfill their roles. Findings from this study suggest the need for improvements in relevant training programs and legal frameworks to develop a system that allows nurses to engage actively in specified medical acts.