An Inquiry into Subjectivity of Fundamental Nursing Practice Attitude

Han, Kyoung Soon; Park, Eun Hee; Cho, Ju Yeon

Abstract

The study was designed to identify the attitude of nursing students to fundamental nursing practice through Q-methodology. A Q sample was developed through a review of the literature and interviews. Forty statements made up the finalized Q-sample. The P sample consisted of 25 nursing students in S College. Q statements were written on separate cards and were given to the 25 subjects to sort according to degree of agreement or disagreement. The Q-sort by each subject was coded and analyzed with QUANL PC Program. The analysis discovered three major attitudes, namely "type 1: passive demand", "type 2: active self-confidence", "type 3: practical application". The correlation was .213 between type 1 and 2, .409 between type 1 and 3, .379 between t ype 2 and 3. The results revealed three different types of fundamental nursing practice attitude; 1) Passive demand type: they were not satisfied with fundamental nursing practice time, the number of persons, practice machines. They presented anxiety and worry through fundamental nursing practice. Therefore, they will presenta passive attitude of clinical practice experience. 2) Active self-confidence type: they experienced pride as a nursing student and fascination as a nurse was an acquired recognition. 3) Practical application type: they practiced that fundamental nursing skill was applied their family and oneself. Therefore they had tension through initial fundamental nursing practice but they gained self-confidence and interest through practical study. In conclusion, the researchers suggest that the education program would be more effective if it was planned considering to each types of attitude of nursing students for fundamental nursing practice.