만학도 간호대학생의 대학생활 적응과정

Adaptation Process of Nursing Students Who Started Their Studies Late

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the adaptation process of nursing students who started their studies late. Methods: A grounded theory method guided the data collection and analysis. Data were collected by in-depth individual interviews from 9 mature nursing students. They were analyzed according to Strauss & Corbin’(1998) open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and process analysis. Results: Nursing students’ experiences were a process of ‘Striving for achieving one s dream which includes ‘Choosing nursing as a new carrier’, ‘Being confronted with multiple issues’, ‘Receiving support from others’, ‘Becoming mature’, ‘Feeling a sense of accomplishment’, and ‘Pursuing professional development’. And they adopted the strategies of collecting strength, taking active attitudes, maintaining positive attitude, giving up on relationships, releasing emotional burden, picturing one s own self as a nurse, and encouraging oneself. Conclusion: This study confirms that nursing students who started their studies late had various and positive experiences in the adaptation process. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the adaptation process of this particular group of students through the grounded theory methodology. Also the result indicates that supportive programs reflecting adaptation process of these students should be developed.