Perspect Nurs Sci.  2014 Apr;11(1):18-29.

Working with Low-Income Elders in Korea: An Ethnographical Exploration of u-Health Nurses' Experiences

• Choi H
• Kim J
• Jin M
• Lee J
• Kim S
• Jeong S

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study sought to ascertain and describe u-Health nurses (ubiquitous healthcare nurse, tele-nurse)' experiences working with low-income elders in Korea.
METHODS
Data were collected through semi-structured interview, focus group interviews of 6 nurses and participant observations in community places in public rental housing in the city of Seoul. The ethnographical analysis method, proposed by Spradley, was used to analyze interview data.
RESULTS
We identified two major clusters of themes on common issues and concerns experienced by nurses: "work environment" and "daily work life." In addition, ten themes and fourteen sub-themes were extracted from the field work data.
CONCLUSION
The study provided a deeper understanding of the experiences and services of u-Health nurses in Korea, of which much remains to be understood, as the healthcare services they currently provide are limited. Moreover, its findings could empower novice nurses and expand nurse's professional knowledge and competence.

Keyword

u-Health nurse; Low-income elderly; Nursing evaluation research; Ethnography

MeSH Terms

Anthropology, Cultural
Delivery of Health Care
Focus Groups
Housing
Korea
Mental Competency
Nursing Evaluation Research
Seoul

Reference

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