[The experiences of transplantation coordinators' practice].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences in the transplantation coordinators' practice. METHOD: Data was collected through a tape-recorded in-depth interview from nine participants who were transplantation coordinators of their hospitals. It was analyzed using the phenomenological method proposed by Colaizzi(1978). RESULTS: From significant statements, six categories of themes were integrated into the essential structure of the experiences of transplantation coordinators. Six categories of themes were 'continue to be professional during dash this way and rush that', 'burden due to persistent heavy work', 'the uniqueness in family care of the brain-dead patients', 'support of family and a professional group', 'worthiness and achievement of the patients' recovery', and 'establishment of self-confidence as a coordinator'. CONCLUSION: Although the transplantation coordinators played various roles, they had a conflict in role identity due to poor working environments. The results of this study suggested that development of an educational program, an increase in understanding for the coordinators' role, and institutional support for better working conditions are needed to get professional acknowledgement for transplantation coordinators.

[Experiences of hope in clients with chronic schizophrenia].

PURPOSE: This study was done to uncover the nature of hope experienced by clients with chronic schizophrenia. METHOD: A phenomenological approach developed by Van Manen was adopted. Data was collected from intensive interviews on 7 clients with chronic schizophrenia and the expatients' biographies and arts. A phenomenological reflection was done in terms of the four life world existentials. RESULT: Corporeality: Perceiving the body feeling better, proudness of self, accepting their own ill body and transcending the limitation of the body, expressing self, and staying within the boundary of a healthy body were disclosed as the body's experience of hope. Spatiality: A place with safety, freedom, peace, and sharing was the space of hope. Temporality: The essential experience of time with hope was the continuity of moving forward amid cycling and moments being filled up with something. Relationality: Connecting with someone, having someone who is dependable, understandable and exchanging interest and love were identified as the relationships of hope with others. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that chronic schizophrenic patients always strive hard to keep hope and they really need someone who can support them.

[The male nurses' experiences of adaptation in clinical setting].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identified the male nurses' encounter in adapting themselves in the hospital settings dominated by the female nurses in number. METHOD: Data were collected through the in-depth interview of 16 male nurses and analysed through the grounded theory methodology. RESULT: The behaviors of male nurses for job-adaptation can be summarized as a series of struggles to consolidate their own ground. They have made tremendous efforts to hold their own ground in the nursing profession composed of a large numbers of female nurses, while they have experienced many difficulties and problems as minorities. They have struggled to adapt themselves professionally through efforts such as; challenging the social and professional barriers, identifying the job identity, empowering themselves through self-development and dedication, expanding their influence among colleagues. In spite of these efforts, they had the perception that nursing is not a lifelong occupation for them. Thus, they had tendency to find outlets of change to occupations. CONCLUSION: A specific strategy is needed to provide an environment that is helpful for males in integrating into and adapting to the nursing profession.