Role Model Behaviors of Senior nurses –as Perceived by Newly Graduated Nurses

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC19.234

Authors: Asst. Prof. MASAE MIWA

Abstract: This study aims to identify role model behaviors (conduct) of senior nurses as perceived by newly graduated nurses. The study population is five junior nurses in the second year of their nursing experience, and the study design is a case of qualitative research. Data were collected through semistructured interviews using an interview guide and then transcribed. From the transcribed data, codes were extracted by paying attention not to impair the contexts of sentences. The codes were labeled, and integrated into subcategories and categories according to the similarity of the contents. The results yielded five categories: Ability to listen and explain; Making assessments and evaluate the patient condition accurately; Knowledge and skills based on experience; Nursing based on nursing perspectives; and Near future focus. Newly graduated nurses feel difficulty to act in situations which they have not already experienced during the period of nursing studies, and also difficulty to explain matters to patients and staff in different occupations including physicians. Newly graduated nurses observe senior nurses by listening and as the senior nurses provide explanations as a role model, and through this adopt work skills in the nursing work. They also learn and internalize knowledge on how to assess the conditions of patients including mental aspects based on the advice and nursing records of senior nurses. Further, they aspire to establish their own nursing perspectives and practice nursing skills based on their experience and the nursing practices of senior nurses. Newly graduated nurses saw relatively less experienced senior nurses including second year nurses as immediately present and near future goals. For these reasons, it is suggested that quality nursing practice of senior nurses is indispensable in training newly graduated nurses, and that the presence of nurses who have various degrees of experience is necessary in the training.

Keywords: perception of newly graduated nurses, senior nurses, role model behaviors, nursing administration, qualitative study
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