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The job of the nurse: the data as revealed by investigation and analysis

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Abstract

In this chapter the job of the nurse, including its duties and tasks, is discussed. The information was derived from in-depth interviews with nurses (ward sisters, n = 21; staff nurses, n = 74) and non-participant observation of a sample of these grades. A four-point scale was used to determine the extent to which behaviours took place. The explored duties were rated on a range as to their realization from ‘great extent’ to little extent’. The following definitions were used:

  • Great extent: Featured regularly, daily, in job

  • Fair extent: Featured often, but not daily

  • Some extent: Featured occasionally, infrequently

  • Little extent: Featured seldom, if at all

Four categories of behaviours were identified, i.e. clinical (12), managerial (12), administrative (6), and educational (6). Tables 4.1 and 4.2 give the responses of ward sisters and staff nurses. For responses of other professionals, see Appendix C.

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© 1995 Michael Bowman

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Bowman, M. (1995). The job of the nurse: the data as revealed by investigation and analysis. In: The Professional Nurse. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2899-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2899-3_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-56593-297-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-2899-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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