PURPOSE
This study was to explore the process of belongingness experienced during the apprentice course for advanced practice nurses. METHODS: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 people, who attended the apprentice course for advanced practice nurse, from three schools in Seoul from Jan. 19 until Feb. 25, 2010. The constant comparative method was adapted for data analysis. RESULTS: The core category of this study was the 'learning-connected process' and this process was categorized into three stages. These stages were: going along with the atmosphere, exchanging, and integrating. During the course, the 'uncomfortable participation' as the central idea meant a sense of responsibility and a tension about practice learning of the participant and was influenced by the quality of interaction and the distinct instruction of learning contents. Belongingness was characterized by the Joyful and happy participation which linked to the motivation of new learning opportunities. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that there is a process to belongingness and a close relationship between belongingness and learning. Further studies would suggest exploring the components of belongingness, a concept analysis and incorporating the belongingness scale with other qualitative research on this topic.
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