The Program and Evaluation of a Short-time Group Work for Novice Nurses and Other Hospital Professionals

Abstract

A group work was conducted for newly employed hospital professionals. The program was aimed at relieving their anxiety and helping them develop better relationships. Participants were 31 former students and mid-career staff working at a hospital (mean age = 27.7). Brief POMS was administered as the pre- and post-test to see the change of participants mood. A post-test questionnaire that included subjective assessment items (Nakamura et al., 2011), as well as impressions of group work. An analysis of POMS scores indicated a significant improvement in their mood after the program. The effect sizes also indicated that although the effects of group work are generally high, they are particularly effective for the high risk group. The analysis of subjective evaluation indicated that the participants experienced better relationship in terms of universality, cohesiveness, acceptance (sense of safety), advice and meaningful engagement with other occupations. The group work program with non-invasive warm-up activities for newly workers especially with emotional problems will facilitate adaptation to the workplace.