Work Experiences of Nurses Working as 119 Paramedics

Jung, Hee Young; Lee, Haejung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to examine the work experiences of nurses working as 119 paramedics and to provide basic information to develop administrative and institutional support system for the nurses. METHOD: The data were collected from December, 2007 to July, 2008 and analyzed using the phenomenological method provided by Munhall and Boyd. Participants of this study were 7 nurses currently working as 119 paramedics and who were willing to fully express their experiences. The grand mal question used in this study was "How is your work experience as an 119 paramedic?" RESULT: Narratives of the participants were analyzed and divided into 3 categories such as 'recognizing', 'withdrawal', and 'confrontation'.
CONCLUSION
The results showed even if the participants think of their tasks fulfilling and be proud, they have some difficulties due to restrictions of tasks and work environment. Based on the findings, we suggest developing educational programs to improve their task abilities, establishing safety policy and compensatory reward system according to their accomplishments, and providing counseling opportunities for their traumatic experiences with difficult emotion.