Application of the Clinical Nurse Career Path Pattern at Regional General Hospital in Aceh Province

Abstract

Career path is a tiered pattern used to improve nurse performance and professional competence. Regional General Hospitals in Aceh Province were used as the research site to enhance nurse competence by implementing a clinical career path pattern. The Objective of the study was to determine the application of the clinical nurse career path pattern from the perspective of a nurse manager at a regional general hospital in Aceh Province. A qualitative method and phenomenological approach involving 10 correspondence was used with characteristics as nurse managers with a minimum educational background of Diploma III in nursing, and had worked for four years in a hospital. Then, the data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method. This research resulted in 3 themes that became obstacles in applying career path, including reduced implementation of clinical nurse re-credential, the lack of management support and commitment, and limited resources for applying career path pattern. The application of the pattern of professional clinical nurse career paths has not run optimally. Therefore, the hospital and nursing management should support and be committed to planning career path pattern. This include planning the HR needs, compiling and ratifying guidelines, conducting explicit socialization and re-credentials. They should also provide rewards through career development in the form of education and training following the competency gap of nurses.