호스피스간호사의 역할적응 과정 : 편안한 임종의 조력자로 거듭나기

Abstract

This study identified the role adaptation process of a hospice nurse with an in-depth and comprehensive approach in order to help assist in building a concrete theory that could explain the terms and consequences of the process. The study used the grounded theory methodology, gathering data from 20 participants by individual interviews during the course of approximately 4 months, which lasted from May. 3, 2014 to Aug. 21, 2014. The questions used in the individual interviews included the role adaptation process of a hospice nurse, the causal conditions, the contextual and intermediate conditions, and the coping strategies the participants utilized. The inputted data on a word processor and the qualitative data retrieved from the field notes were analyzed through the process of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998). The results of the research drew 11 categories, 33 subcategories, and 98 concepts. The research indicated that the core category of the role adaptation process of a hospice nurse was ‘to become a supporter of the patients throughout their process of approaching death in comfort’ and the causal condition was ‘taking on the unfamiliar role by being deployed in the hospice unit.’ As a result, the central phenomenon was ‘withstanding the pressure of taking care of the terminally ill patients.’ Moreover, the contextual condition appeared as ‘the lack of experience, knowledge, and perspective towards a hospice’ and ‘perceiving becoming a hospice nurse as a penance’ and the positive intervening condition affecting the role adaptation of a hospice nurse were ‘broadened view towards life’ and ‘the changed social recognition towards the hospice nurse.’ The behavioral/interaction strategies were ‘taking time for introspection as a hospice nurse,’ ‘working with a sense of duty,’ and ‘strengthening the ability as a hospice nurse.’ In addition, as a result of the behavioral/interaction strategy, ‘humanistic and transcendental caregiver’ was derived. The role adaptation process of a hospice nurse was approached from a concept of a process, and the study identified the stages of chaos, temperament, and maturation. In conclusion, the role adaptation stages of a hospice nurse can be comprehended as a process of ‘becoming a supporter of the patients throughout their process of approaching death in comfort.’ On the basis of the research results, this study is expected to provide valuable baseline data on developing educational programs that could aid in the process for hospice nurses to better adapt to their roles.