J Korean Community Nurs.  1997 Jun;8(1):133-143.

A Q-Methodological Study on the Community Nursing Practice of Nursing Students

• Kim LS

Abstract

This study measures the subjectivity of nursing students' experience in community fields through community nursing practice. The purpose of this study is as follows: 1) to find out typologies based on opinions and attitudes toward community nursing practice. 2) to describe the characteristic of each type. 3) to provide alternative strategies for solving community nursing practice problems. A Q-Methodological method was used for that purpose. As a research method, Q-statements were collected through indepth interviews and review of the current literature. For this study 34 Q-statements were selected. 24 nursing students were subjects for the research. The 24 nursing students sorted 34 Q-statements using the principle of Forced Normal Distribution. The principle of Forced Normal Distribution, which has nine scales to measure individual opinions, was called, a Q- Factor Analysis by using a PC Quanl Program to supply the material. According to the results of this study, there were three categories of opinion concerning community nursing practice. The first type is the realistic problem-oriented approach: the second type is the self-responsibility or pursuit of life meaning approach: the third type is the group approach for problem solving. As a result, we need to develop and revise a more realistic way of community nursing practice for nursing students. Finally, the result of this study will provide to the educational program alternative strategies for community nursing practice for nursing students.

MeSH Terms

Humans
Nursing*
Problem Solving
Students, Nursing*
Weights and Measures