NURSING PRACTICE IN REHABILITATION WARDS

―FOCUS ON DISCHARGE SUPPORT―

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to clarify the constituent elements of nursing practice through an analysis of the performance of veteran nurses in a rehabilitation ward. In order to collect this data, observation of and interviews with ten veteran nurses were conducted, one to three times. Participant observation occurred between morning and lunchtime, when a significant amount of patient care and training are provided. The data collected during the observation period were assembled in a field note, while the contents of the interviews were recorded verbatim. In the analysis of repeated situations and behaviors in the nursing practice of veteran nurses, three themes were revealed in the results, although here only two will be addressed: discharge support and rehabilitation team activities. The first theme involves the coordination of a patient’s life after discharge: 1） Ensuring a preparation period by providing information regarding their decision, and making relevant arrangements. 2） Always involving family members in patient care and gradually shifting patient administration to them. 3） Realization of support by actualizing the patient’s will and providing consultation.