Health Policy Manag.  2019 Dec;29(4):502-512. 10.4332/KJHPA.2019.29.4.502.

Role Ambiguity of Comprehensive Nursing Care Unit Nurses: A Concept Analysis

• Lee J
• Kim Y
• Moon S
• Jeong E
• Park H

• KMID: 2470457
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2019.29.4.502

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to identify role ambiguity of comprehensive nursing care unit nurses.
METHODS
A concept analysis method by Walker and Avant was used to understand role ambiguity of comprehensive nursing care unit nurses.
RESULTS
The antecedents of role ambiguity of nurses at comprehensive nursing units were shortage of nurses, unclear admission criteria, and demands for customized nursing care according to severity. Attributes include ambiguity in role delegation, patient placement ambiguity, and professional ambiguity among nursing staff. The consequences were diminished job satisfaction due to excessive workload, difficulty in resolving role ambiguity due to the lack of work analysis studies, and poor outcome of nursing indicators.
CONCLUSION
Improvement of nationwide awareness for comprehensive nursing care unit is required. Clear division at scope of practice for nursing staff in accordance of each medical institution's characteristics is essential. Nurses at comprehensive nursing care unit should understand nature of role ambiguity that occurs as they work in large groups. Nurses should promote communications between nursing staff and they must have volition to improve status quo. An additional research of comprehensive nursing care on the causes of role ambiguity in the practice of nursing care for ward nurses is needed, and management measures should be sought at the organizational level.

Keyword

Comprehensive nursing care; Nursing service, hospital; Role ambiguity; Nurses

MeSH Terms

Humans
Job Satisfaction
Methods
Nursing Care*
Nursing Service, Hospital
Nursing Staff
Nursing*
Volition
Walkers