This study aimed to explore the competencies of home care nurses and identify their dilemmas through job descriptions and experiences. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design with purposeful sampling. Twenty-two nurses were recruited from 13 home care agencies. Each had an in-depth interview. Content analysis was performed following the guidelines of qualitative research. The data generated six themes to identify the entry standards, caring attitudes, and competencies for home care services. Six themes were “Toughness is the entry prerequisite”, “Back to normalization is the care orientation”, “Trustworthy and timely care for the family”, “Typical care and requirements”, “A unique and stressful workplace” and “Home care service is a business.” Competencies included professional and business management abilities. Professional competencies included understanding and planning care, as well as providing and evaluating direct care for patients and family caregivers. Business management competencies included marketing strategies, managing finances, and document files. Due to insufficient preparedness and a lack of orientation programs, participants faced several dilemmas in physical assessments, direct care, and business management. The current findings can provide guidelines for education and training programs for home care nurses. Nursing schools should co-construct a practical-based course with home care organizations. The courses ought to integrate advanced nursing and business management and be offered to nurses with more than two years of acute medical experience. Home care agencies have a duty to provide well-planned orientation and continuous training programs to ensure the quality of care.

Authors:
Chiung-Man Wu, Fooyin University, Taiwan
Ya-Ting Wu, Pingtung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
Pei-Fong Chia, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Chiung-man Wu is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Fooyin University in Taiwan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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