Capabilities that experienced nurses expect of new nurses in pediatric wards: A research study using Q methodology

To meet the expected levels of nursing care in pediatric wards, it is necessary to identify and strengthen the skills, job satisfaction levels, and personality characteristics required of nurses.

This study aimed to identify the types of capabilities experienced nurses expect of new nurses in order to perform professional nursing in pediatric wards.

Q methodology was used to explore the subjective perceptions of experienced nurses regarding new nurses.

The research was conducted in the pediatric wards of university hospitals.

A convenience sample of 31 experienced nurses was recruited for the P-set from the pediatric wards of university hospitals.

Data were collected from the 31 participants from August to December 2019.

Based on the study results, the abilities experienced nurses expect new nurses to possess were grouped into three categories: 1) "honesty and effort type," 2) "problem-solving type," and 3) "relationship-oriented type."

This study provides basic data for constructing a program that is advantageous for clinical practice and for the education of pediatric nurses. The results also suggest that increasing the effectiveness of collaboration, understanding, and communication between newly graduated and experienced nurses may improve the level of professional care provided in pediatric wards.