Ward Chief Nurses' Perceptions and the Current Situation of Nurses' Career Development

Abstract

Objective : To clarify the perceptions of ward chief nurses at community-based hospitals in the Kinki, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions, as well as the current situation regarding career development. Methods : We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey of 187 ward chief nurses. Results : Responses were obtained from 101 chief nurses （response rate : 54.0%）. Of the respondents, 54 replied that their ward had staff members who desired more advanced education. Their thoughts/opinions about advanced education were classified as follows : ［it helps those nurses to advance their knowledge/skills/career］, ［it is helpful in improving the quality of nursing care in wards/hospitals］, and ［（they）, as ward managers, want to support staff members’ growth/career development］. Support provided to staff members included guidance/advice on goal management, learning for career development, and organizational support such as work shift adjustment and training fees. On the other hand, issues included staff members’ low career orientation, manpower shortages, and difficulties in work shift and duty adjustment. Conclusion : The ward chief nurses wanted to encourage staff members’ growth and qualitative improvements in nursing care and to explore support for career development issues.