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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to validate and refine the Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice. A triangulated methodology of focus groups and a descriptive self-report survey were used to elicit data from home health nurses. Six focus groups with 20 participants total were held in three agencies in Virginia and Maryland. A stratified random sample of 68 members of the Home Health Nurses Association responded to a mailed survey. Nurses pass through three stages in attaining autonomy of home health nursing practice: dependence, moderate dependence, and autonomy. Role changes and process changes temporarily move the autonomous nurse back to dependence. Adaptation is key to home health nursing practice. Home health nursing is a specialty practice. Nurses require specific qualities and characteristics to practice effectively and successfully in home health. The findings support the Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice.

Keywords

home health home health nurses focus groups research survey

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Validating and Refining The Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice

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