EXPERIENCES OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES WORKING AT OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT OF A PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe experiences of professional nurses working at out patient department (OPD) of a private hospital. Hermeneutic phenomenology of Martin Heidegger was applied as research methodology. The 12 informants who experienced to work at OPD at a private hospital at least 3 years were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through in-depth interview with tape-record. The interview ended after data saturation. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using content analysis of van Manen’s method.

            The findings of experiences of professional nurses working at OPD of a private hospital consisted of 4 major themes as follows: 1) working at OPD is not easy as you thought, 2) Anything patients need, please tell nurses to serve, 3) doing small things but getting big impression, and 4) providing appropriate care if understanding English and other cultures.  

            The study findings provided as information for executive nurses to improve service and improve potential performance of nurses in OPD of a private hospital