PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D M Costello-Nickitas

Publications and source records attributed to D M Costello-Nickitas.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Choosing life goals: a phenomenological study.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to uncover the meaning of the lived experience of choosing life goals. Seven married women, nurse administrators between the ages of 27-37, employed in middle management positions in two large metropolitan hospitals, were asked to provide a written description of a situation in which they found themselves choosing life goals. Giorgi's (1975) qualitative method of phenomenology was used to analyze the written descriptions. The major finding of this study was choosing life goals is struggling to fulfill competing ambitions while experiencing paradoxical feelings of calmness-turmoil, success-defeat, and security-insecurity in the process of affirming cherished beliefs. Findings from this study support the value of the phenomenological method for nursing research and enhance the knowledge base of nursing by expanding Parse's theory of human becoming. Findings reveal the importance of understanding more fully the processes of choosing life goals and how choices reflect health.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Empowering nurses for politically astute change in the workplace.

While studies of the shortage of nurses have documented the need for nurses to play a greater role in decision-making processes in their workplaces, it cannot be assumed that nurses have the confidence or skills for making changes in the workplace in politically astute ways that will be effective. This article describes a continuing education program that was designed to prepare nurses to realize their potential power and to develop skills for effectively bringing about changes in their workplaces. Based on a feminist model of empowerment, the program content and methods reflected three dimensions of empowerment: consciousness-raising, building self-esteem, and skill development. Both short- and long-term evaluations (immediate and at 7 months) demonstrated that education can be a vehicle for empowering nurses to effectively bring about changes in their workplaces. The program was sponsored by the Manitoba Nurses Union, The University of Manitoba Continuing Education Division, and The University of Manitoba School of Nursing.

Decision Making, Organizational↗