• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.56-69
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• 2007

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the discourses and the patterns of problem solving behaviors among the nurse managers. The focus of the study was the difficult situations in caring with patients and their families. Methods: Field study was performed at a for-profit hospital from March, 2004 to March, 2007. The participants of the study were 5 head nurses and 2 nurses in charge. The data were collected with iterative interviews and participant-observations. For the analysis of the data, taxonomy and critical discourse analyzing were applied. Results: The nurse mangers who showed wholistic patterns of behavior took the role of a broker among the client system, professional nursing system, medical system, and other allied health system. The nurse managers whose approach was profession-centered took the role of protector of nursing system. The nurse manager who practiced nurse-oriented pattern of behavior tried not to have harm against other members of health system. The experiences of nurse managers were effected from the discourses of patriarchal and market mechanism. Conclusion: The situation that provoke conflict between clients and nurses become more common with the changes to the health care system and to society. Nurse managers take the role of these conflict problems. The successful solving of conflict in a nursing care setting promotes the quality of care and satisfaction of clients. Programs for enhancing nurse's problem solving competency should anchored be in their practices.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.149-160
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explain the role transition process to nurse case managers (NCMs) for Medical-aid beneficiaries in Korea. Methods: Fourteen NCMs were interviewed regarding their experiences of becoming proficient in the new role of case manger. Data were analyzed through the application of grounded theory. Results: 'Taking root in a barren land' was the core category explaining the role transition process of NCMs. They engaged in four stages: launching, trial and error, proficiency, and wait-and-see stages. NCMs showed not only fear but also passion for case management practice. Despite their passion and effort, NCMs went through a period of trial and error. After becoming skilled, NCMs went through a stage of wait-and-see often because of job insecurity related to temporary position or few opportunities for promotion. Factors influencing NCMs' role transition process included their understanding of client characteristics, belief in case management, and support from their colleagues and families. Conclusion: NCMs experience many challenges in the process of becoming proficient NCMs. To help with their role transition, there is a need for education programs, preceptorship programs, research on their roles and functions, and regulation for securing NCMs' employment and career stability.