The Process by which Energetic Mid-career Nurses Develop the Ability to Work Energetically

Abstract

Objective：The purpose of this research is to examine the process during which energetic mid-career nurses gain the ability to work energetically and to suggest an educational program for such nurses. Methods：A semi-structured interview was conducted with nine nurses in their 30s considered as energetic nurses by their superiors. The protocol data was qualitatively analyzed. Results：The results indicated that their ability to work energetically could be broken down into 14 categories：the starting point of their nursing career, support for their work and family life, ability to overcome a difficulty, awareness of associate expectation, spontaneous learning activities, recognition of their role as a mid-career nurse, vision for their future career, responsible and challenging participation in an organization, improvement of nursing proficiency, recognition of attractiveness and consciousness in nursing, reflective practice and enjoyment in nursing. These factors demonstrate how an educational program could be created for mid-career nurses in order that they too could work energetically.