title: [The life experiences of nurses receiving cross-training].
abstract: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the life experiences of nurses who received cross-training. Snowball sampling was used to recruit nurses over a 4-month period (01/2006 to 04/2006) at a medical center located in southern Taiwan. Data were compiled from the audio transcripts of 12 participants who completed in-depth interviews in hospitals. Analysis was performed using Colaizzi's (1978) methodology. Results emerged along four themes, including: "conflict between resistance and acceptance," "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," "endure complaints alone," and "awareness." Firstly, nurses felt themselves starting to resolve bottlenecks, but remained anxious about future uncertainties. Next, they maintained a low profile and tried to maintain superficially amenable situations, and then took advantage of chances to learn. Finally, the need for nurses to face peer critiques created significant anxiety. Once they had gone through these three steps, nurses returned to their 'normal' selves, although with broadened perspectives that led them to re-think and re-plan their professional career. In summary, nurses participating in cross-training underwent a process of cultural adaptation. This process was full of opportunities for exploration, growth and self-awareness. To design future cross-training programs, the input of these nurses should be taken into consideration by nursing educators and administrators.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Mei-Kuei
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chuan-Chiang
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chou