Kalyanamitta of Head Nurses Experienced by Staff Nurses in Regional Hospitals, Southern Thailand

Abstract

             This descriptive research aimed to explore kalyanamitta of head nurses as experienced by registered nurses in tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. The sample comprised 50 registered nurses who had worked with his/her head nurses for at least  two years and were selected by purposive sampling. The research instrument was an interview using open-ended questions that was developed by the researcher based on the concept of Kalyanamitta in Buddhism. The research instrument was tested for its validity by three experts. Data were analyzed by the technique of content analysis.

              The results showed that Kalyanamitta of head nurses as experienced by registered nurses included the following dimensions: (1) endearing dimension means being friendly, not being like a big boss; (2) respectfulness dimension means kind consideration for both  working issues and personal issues, being an un-biased person, making decisions based on rationale and fact, being a good person both when working and in personal life and being a role model for both working issues and personal issues; (3) adorable dimension means diligence in seeking knowledge and transferring that knowledge into practice, being knowledgeable in person and in  presentation; (4) being a counselor dimension means promptly giving consultation, giving it sincerely and using kind words even when making criticism, avoiding causing embarrassment, thinking and identifying with the listener before speaking; (5) being a patient listener dimension means being an attentive-listening person without any temptation, being patient and acting as an advocate; (6) able to deliver deep discourse issues dimension means being able to give a clear and understandable explanation, and (7) not leading to a disgraceful way  but promoting to do a good thing dimension means giving some advice to be a good nurse, providing support for any promotion. For the outcomes of Kalyanamitta the themes were as follows: (1) everybody works happily and helps each other, (2) staff and the nursing system get development, (3) staff are motivated to be committed to their work, (4) learning together and listening to each other, and (5) staff learn that they have a resourceful person when facing any problem or conflict.

              The results of this study will be used as guidelines for promoting a happy work-climate in wards or units for enhancing the relationship between head nurses and registered nurses. In addition, this result suggests for enhancing head nurse’s communication skill can lead to the improvement of nursing practices.