2023, Vol.41, No.3

군진간호연구 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.4

pISSN : 1975-664X
https://journal.kci.go.kr/kafna

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the essential structure of the lived experience of North Korean female defectors' military nurse life experience in North Korea. Methods: Five North Korean female defectors with more than 3 years' experience as a military nurse in North Korea were interviewed in depth from November to December 2021. The data were analyzed with phenomenological research methods of Colaizzi. Results: The meaning of military life experiences in North Korea among the participants was grouped into five categories, fifteen theme clusters, and forty-seven themes. The five categories were ‘Extraordinary benefits as a woman’, ‘Different curriculum depending on the unit’, ‘Being required to perform various roles’, ‘Remained pride in the work’, and ‘Frustration and limits’. Conclusion: The study results enabled fundamental understanding of female defectors' military nurse life in North Korea. Based on the results, it is necessary to develop education strategies for North Korean military nurses for the South Korean Military to prepare for the reunification of Korea.

Purpose: This study was conducted to provide evidence for the appropriate shelf-life of sterilized products per packaging material used in the operating room (OR) of a military hospital. Methods: Samples of polypropylene wrapper and paper-plastic pouch packaging materials that had been steam and Ethylene Oxide (EO) gas sterilized were stored in four locations in the OR. Each sample was cultured weekly and checked for contamination. Data collection was conducted from 4 weeks to 16 weeks for samples of polypropylene wrapper packaging materials. For samples packaged with paper-plastic pouches, data collection was conducted from 24 weeks to 36 weeks. Additionally, the temperature and humidity of the storage environment were measured every day. Results: Polypropylene wrappers showed no contamination in all samples. However, in the case of paper-plastic pouches sterilized with steam, gram-positive bacteria were detected in samples at week 33. Conclusion: It is reasonable to apply a shelf-life of 4 weeks for sterilized items in a polypropylene wrapper and 24 weeks for items in a paper-plastic pouch in the OR of a military hospital. In particular, items packaged in polypropylene wrappers remained sterilized until the 16th week, and paper-plastic pouch materials until the 32nd week. Therefore, this information can be used as a basis when considering extending the validity period of sterilized products for each packaging material.

Purpose: This study was conducted to describe the lived experience of the VR core nursing skills training program from the learner's perspective among cadets in Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy. Methods: The VR training program using a head-mounted device and hand motion tracking technology. Twenty cadets from third- and fourth-year were asked to use the program and respond to semi-structured questions using a reflection journal. The data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. Results: Among 339 statements, 249 meaningful sentences were derived by integrating similar contents. Seven categories of 'Experiencing immersion and fun with new technology', 'Considering the training as thinking practice, not memorization procedure', 'Feeling psychological comfort from virtual reality', 'Feeling physical effects of wearing equipment', 'Practicing skills repetitively without additional cost', 'Experiencing limits of untouchable virtual reality technology', and 'Expecting the future progress' were identified. Conclusion: The VR core nursing skills training program enables independent practice at the learner's own pace and is useful for learning step-by-step theoretical evidence. It is necessary to develop a core nursing skills training program in the future which may complement the advantages and disadvantages of current VR training nursing programs.