The universe had its order of yang and yin ; all creation are continuously generated, grow and die, which is the results of the harmonious operation by yang and yin. Among all creation, the human is one of the samjae(three bases of the world, which are heaven, earth, and man) and he is from the combined sukhi(a superior khi) of yang and yin. And human life itself is basically a condensed jonghyul(life blood) and at the same time it is only a transient joining of sadae(the four elements of earth, air, fire and water). Yang and yin, the two axes of the world, therefore, are the most crucial and fundamental concept to explain the generation and extinction of all creation, to understand people in time and space, to find out the reality of human life as an organism, and at last, to observe the state of human health. If so, what is the most essential idea in yang and yin? It is taegeuk(chungkhi) or tao(of one yang and one yin). If the property of heaven and earth is kongon, taegeuk is a khi and tao a principle. And it can be sid that a human body is merely a union of hyung and khi, that human life is an essence of sambo, jeongkhishin, that human health is a harmonized coordination of yang and yin because it is from the combined sukhi of yang and yin because it is from the combined sukhi of yang and yin. Hyung, a vessel for smbo, jeongkhishin, is at the bottom and shin is on the top ; the personality and the disposition of individuals differ according to their working. Thus, on the basis of the above discussion, the following can be offered as some suggestions for Korean Nursing Theory. Though human beings are part of Nature, they are the most eminent microcosm among all creation. So, as a subject for nursing, a person should be understood with khijok kyoryu rather than with logical thinking, then mutual trust between the patient and the nurse can be established. The health of a person on the harmony of yang and yin. To be healthy, a person should consider harmonization with Nature(including his surroundings) as well as a balanced human relationships in society. Moreover, it is crucial for each person to obtain hoshim as a method of mind control rather than to only treat the symptoms of disease.

Gradually, there has been increase in the use of qualitative research methods in nursing research. Nursing scholars are using qualitative research methods to explore the essence of nursing and discover its meaning. However, there has been lack of standards for evaluating qualitative nursing research. Often nursing researchers are applying quantitative research evaluation standards to qualitative nursing research. Thus, there has not been any notable qualitative research done to date. In order to improve the quality of nursing research done to discover new knowledge for the nursing, and for development of nursing theory, criteria for critiquing qualitative research should be established. Therefore, this researcher introduced standards as criteria for critiquing qualitative research which are based on literature reviews and research experiences. The suggested criteria are developed several question's as follows: 1) description of the research phenomena, 2) significance, 3) research purpose, 4) research question, 5) assumptions, 6) researcher's abilities, 7) selection of research samples, 8) data collection, 9) human subjects, 10) data analysis, 11) description of researcher's results, 12) literature review. Follow-up of concrete questions for each of the criterias have been developed.

This descriptive study was done to investigate the critical thinking ability of senior nursing students in two types of nursing education programs: associate and baccalaureate programs. Data were convenently collected from 159 associate degree nursing(ADN)students and 158 baccalaureate degree nursing(BSN)students. All schools were the Ministry of Education accredited and located in Seoul City and Kyung gi Province. These data were collected by self reporting questionaire given over two months from March to May, 1995. The subjcets completed the Watson -Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA)and a demographic questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test with the SAS program. The results of this study are as follows 1. The mean of critical thinking ability of the ADN students was 42.69. 2. The mean of critical thinking ability of the BSN students was 47.68. 3. There was significant difference in the WGCTA scores between the ADN and the BSN students (t=7.38 p<0.001) 4. This study suggests that critical thinking ability may increase with higher levels of nursing education. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.

This qualitative nursing research used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to discover meaning in mid-aged women's experience of mastectomy. The ultimate aim of the inquiry was to discover the essence of mid-aged women's experience and promote understanding. The study was guided by Van Manen's method for doing research. The method of inquiry included: turning to phenomenon of interest; inquiring and investigating experience as it was lived rather than as conceptualized; reflecting and analyzing essential themes which characterize phenomenon; and describing phenomenon through art of writing and rewriting. Multiple strategies for data collecting were needed: in depth face-to-face interview; analysis of women's writings; artistic works; and analysis of examples of phenomenon in art, literature, and drama. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewd, essential themes of experience emerged; Self-discovering of vicious disease, Divining punishment-unfortunate women, loss of self though the scar, a nightmare, change of life values and attitudes, rediscovering living alone, living through with fearing of death. Findings from artistic and creative inquiry further validated findings and meaning descovered. The study illuminated meaning and simultaneously validated the phenomenological research process. Essential themes for understanding women's experience, implications for education, research, and practice, direction and need for continuing inquiry were identified.

Intuition is an abstract concept which is most often thought of as a nonrational, nonscientific mode of thought. However, since there are so many amorphous definitions of intuition that it seems important to clarify the meaning of this concept. Therefore, this study use the process of Walker and Avant's concept analysis to define of the concept of intuition Attributes of intuition were defined as 1) Knowledge of truth that is difficult to explicate; 2) A type of immediate knowing; 3) Knowlwdge without reasining analysis; 4) Knowledge that is attained based on virtue character which integrates all matter and is not attained through individual experience. Antecedents of intuition consists of 1) as ground for knowledge or truth that is not availables to trace through the analytic procedures; and 2) the flow of Ki which unites human beings and the universe. Consequences of intuition events or incidents occuring as a result of the concept consist of verification of the truth though analytic procedures and application of knowledge in both theoretical and practical ways. To develop intuitive ability, as an educator should not only make studies in recognizine, analysing and teaching concepts related to logical, rational decision making but should also recognize and teach concepts related to intuitive components of making decisions in clinical practice and classroom learning as well.

BACKGROUND: Korea and the People's Republic of China received their nursing traditions from European and the American missionaries in the late 1800's. However, the stages of nursing education development and its standards are not same among countries. Korea, People's Republic of China and the United States have gone through various internal socio-political, hierarchical changes which impact development of its nursing education systems in the past. PURPOSE AND METHODS: In this paper the authors have endeavored to review undergraduate nursing education systems in Korea, China and the United States in consideration with their unique historical social and political background of its development. Result: Korea has two nursing education systems: associate and baccalaureate. China developed three types of nursing education systems: certificate, associate and baccalaureate. The United States, one of the countries, which nurtured the modern nursing education, has four types of nursing education systems: certificate, associate, diploma and baccalaureate. Furthermore, the authors have discussed on several core and common issues to be considered for future directions on nursing education systems for three countries.

PURPOSE: This study was to examine the relationships between knowledge, health belief and self-efficacy of osteoporosis with the women residents in an island. METHOD: The subjects were 64 women who lived in an island located in Incheon metropolitan city. Data collection was performed by using questionnaire that included Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale by Kim, Horan & Gendler (1991). The Data were analyzed using SAS computer program that included descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULT: 1) The mean of osteoporosis knowledge was 10.03 in the range of 0 to 24, shows the relatively lower score than mean score. The mean of osteoporosis health belief variables were susceptibility 18.95, seriousness 19.05, benefits of exercise 22.35, benefits of calcium 21.81, barriers to exercise 16.95, barriers to calcium 13.13, and health motivation 19.75 in every range of 6 to 30. The mean of osteoporosis self-efficacy was 37.95 in the range of 12 to 60, shows a relatively higher score than mean score. 2) There were statistically significant differences in the degree of osteoporosis knowledge according to age, education. But There was no significant difference in the degree of osteoporosis and self-efficacy according to general characteristics. There were statistically significant differences in the degree of susceptibility according to religion, family income. There were statistically significant differences in the degree of seriousness, health motivation according to family income. There was statistically significant difference in the degree of barriers to exercise according to education. 3) There were statistically significant positive correlations between osteoporosis knowledge and benefits to exercise, benefits of calcium intake. There was statistically no significant correlation between osteoporosis knowledge and osteoporosis self-efficacy. There was statistically a significant positive correlation between osteoporosis self-efficacy and barriers to exercise. There was statistically a significant negative correlation between osteoporosis self-efficacy and health motivation. CONCLUSION: According to the result, osteoporosis education program including exercise, calcium intake should be operated to increase benefits to exercise and calcium intake for osteoporosis prevention. In addition, the program of improving self-efficacy should be designed and operated to decrease the perception of barriers to exercise and to increase the perception of health motivation of women in island.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the appraising frame and the accreditation system of universities in both Korea and the United Sates, as well as developing a standard plan to appraise 4 year nursing education institutions in Korea. Research design of this study was descriptive comparative research. The results of the research can be divided into six fields, educational purposes, educational courses, students, faculty, facility equipments and administration finance in Korea. Then the results were further categorized into seven fields : mission and governance, faculty, students, curriculum and instruction, resources, educational effectiveness and integrity. Thus Korean appraising frames were suggested to have eight fields of standard. The fields are philosophy and purposes of educational institution, educational courses and instruction, students, faculty, facility equipments, adminstration finance, educational effectiveness and integrity.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine depression in order to identify and improve health care policies promoting health among Korean women. METHOD: There were 329 participants, all older than 18 years old, and staying in Kyungki-Do, city. The data was collected from July to September 1999. The instrument used for this study was the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) to evaluate depression. The collected data was analyzed with frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, X2-test and Multiple logistic Analysis. RESULT: The result of this study are as follows: 1. Among the participants, 90.6% had normal to mild depression and 9.4% had severe depression. 2. For general characteristics, there were significant difference in the degree of depression according to age(P=0.0001), and marital status(P=0.0001). As for health related characteristics, the depression scores were affected by health perception(P= 0.0001), menopause(P=0.0005), stress (P= 0.0001) and sexual activity (P=0.0001). 3. There was a significant relationship between marital status and stress. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a replicate study is needed. The results are also is useful in developing various nursing intervention programs.

Recently, there has been an increasing interchange between South Korea and North Korea. Accordingly, there has been active research to understand the society and culture of North Korea, it has been attempted to have comparative study about nursing education to increase understanding between South and North Korea. In the current educational system, 12 years of education is required for entering a nursing college or university in South Korea, but there are only 10 years for entering nursing college in North Korea. After finishing undergraduate studies one can enter graduate school for a masters degree and or a doctoral degree, but there is a longitudinal relation to medical education in North Korea. Regarding the number of nursing educational institutions, there are 50 BSN programs & 61 Diploma programs in South Korea and 11 Diploma programs in North Korea. In regards to curriculum, South Korea has diverse subjects for general education for freshmen, then is subjects to basic specialities sophomore year, and speciality subject and clinical practices from junior year corresponding to the student's intentions. North Korea has minor subjects for general education and basic specialities in freshmen, speciality subjects sophomore year, speciality subjects and clinical practice in the junior year that may not correspond with the student's intentions. The most outstanding difference in the curriculum is North Korea has various subjects for oriental medicine with clinical application. North Korea also does not teach computer science and English is at a very low level. In clinical practice, South Korea has various settings for clinical practice including community health institutions under the nursing professor or clinical instructor. However, North Korea has limited settings for clinical practice (general hospitals) under a doctor's instruction. Also both South and North Korea have a similar licensing system. Therefore, there must be many more studies regarding North Korea, especially in nursing and nursing education in order to decrease differences and confusion between the Koreas and to prepare for a future unification.

THE NECESSITY AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Recently the number of patients with chronic diseases and the aged patients is increasing steadily. Furthermore, due to the expansion of health insurance system, the number of patients hospitalized in the general hospital is increasing at a surprising speed. However, hospitals urge the early discharge of the patients for the efficiencies of hospital administration, and therefore, the number of patients who must be taken care of in their home is also increasing. Homecare nursing is one of the health care service for the patients at home who require continual attention and care, and now increasing attentions are given to it as one of the professional nursing fields. However, it was almost impossible to find a study on the actual experiences of the homecare nurses written by their own language in Korea, that it also posed a great difficulty in understanding their diverse experience. Considering these situation, this study will help understanding of them, and provide the fundamental data on their experiences for making policies to develop homecare nursing.
METHODS
OF RESEARCH: Phenomenological research method was employed to analyze the lived experiences of homecare nurses fundamentally. DATA COLLECTION: Data were collected from August 1998 to December 1998 from ten homecare nurses who worked for patients under the homecare nursing setting as model cases designated by Seoul Nurses Association and who agreed to the purpose of this study after listening to and understanding the explanation completely. The in-depth interview was carried at the time which was convenient both for the researcher and participants for one or two hours, and recovered with the approval participants. The first interview covered diverse and broad areas like the situation of homecare nursing, and their feelings and thoughts over it, and in the second and third interviews, more specific questions are asked. DATA ANALYSIS: For the phenomenological analysis, contents analysis was employed. The data collected from the participants were analyzed into the following procedures according to Van Manen 's phenomenological analysis. 1) Reserve the preconception of the researcher by restricting it inside parenthesis. 2) Make a thorough observation of the lived experiences by insight process. 3) Analyze the contents (Find out the repetitive factors) 4) Interpret the essence found. 5) State the meaning of the interpretation.
RESULTS
AND DISCUSSION: 1. Fear and expectation for the first visit. (unfamiliarity, awkwardness, anxiety, shivering) 2. Mingle with the family (feeling friendly with the family, becoming like a family member) 3. Being proud of her own know-how (learning the know-how, organizing alternatives, building up confidence) 4. Pity for the poor. (criticizing the current government, feeling ashamed, feeling anger) 5. Difficulty of constructing cooperative system with physicians (strenuousness, frustration) 6. Helplessness due to the lack of support system (difficulty to get supplies, annoyance, embarrassment by institutional restraints) 7. Anxiousness for heavy traffic and parking (annoyance, hastiness) 8. Ethical conflicts (pity for the patients and family, skepticism about lengthening life maintenance) 9. Burden for the possible accident (pressure, anxiety, conflict, physical exhaustion) 10. Establishment of identity as a professional (fulfillment, worth, joy) 11. Being distressed at other's ignorance

The main purpose of this study was to provide understanding of the meaning of post menopausal women's lived body changing experience. The methodological approach was guided by Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological methodology: inquiring and investigating experience as it was lived rather than as conceptualized; reflecting and analyzing the essential themes which characterize the phenomenon; and describing the phenomenon through the art of writing and rewriting. Multiple strategies for data collecting were used : in depth face-to-face interview; analysis of women's writings ; artistic work ; and analysis of examples of phenomenon in art, literature, and drama. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewed, essential themes of experience emerged ; Drifting through the years (solitude, in the twilight of life, loneliness, change of taste, forgetfulness, the sense of missing something), A walking weather forecast, Standing on the threshold of losing ki energy, Lately taking care of my body, Seized with fear all of a sudden, Keenly feeling to preciousness of life, Preferring comfortableness to prettiness, Wanting to recall my past years, A strong impulse to rechallenge life, Becoming more fond of friends. Findings from the artistic and creative inquiry further validated the interview findings and the meaning discovered. The study illuminated meaning and simultaneously validated the phenomenological research process. Essential themes for understanding women's experience, implications for education, research, and practice, direction and need for continuing inquiry were identified.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among depression, somatic symptoms, and activities of daily living of elderly women in urban areas. METHOD: After obtaining participant's consent forms, a one-time, face-to-face, and private interview was conducted with each participant from Sep, 2006 to Jan, 2007 by trained graduate-level students. The questionnaire consisted of K-GDS, PHQ-15, Barthel Index, and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living. The collected data was analyzed with the SPSS/PC 12.0 program, which was used for frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The major findings of this study were as follows 1) 34.1% of participants belonged to the depression group. 2) There were significant relationships between depression and monthly income, somatic symptoms, ADL, IADL, and number of chronic disease. 3) Significant factors influencing depression were somatic symptoms, ADL, and monthly income. CONCLUSION: The results of this study give useful information for designing interventions and program development for appropriate depression management and care for elderly women.