Work Experiences of Delivery Room Nurses: A Phenomenological Study

Lee, Yunjung

doi:2017.23.2.78

Korean J Women Health Nurs > Volume 23(2); 2017 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing 2017;23(2):78-88.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2017.23.2.78 Published online June 27, 2017.

Work Experiences of Delivery Room Nurses: A Phenomenological Study

Yunjung Lee

Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Korea. yjlee@snjc.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to understand meaning and essentials in work experiences of delivery room nurses.
METHODS
A phenomenological perspective was used for this qualitative research. Ten delivery room nurse with more than 3 years of work experience participated in this study. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with the nurses, between December 2012 and April 2013. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method.
RESULTS
Nine theme clusters and four categories emerged from the data as follows: 1) factors influencing career decision-making, 2) gap between reality and expectations, 3) difficulties with working in the delivery room, and 4) motivation to work in the delivery room.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this study, strategies to improve working environment of the delivery room nurses are necessary. Also, better policy are required to firmly establish the role of the delivery room nurses' role as recognized professionals.

Key Words: Delivery room; Nurse; Experience; Qualitative research