Nursing older people: a shared priority for nursing research in the UK and Japan.

Aim The aim of this study was to gain insight into registered nurses’ experiencesof caring for older people in the UK and Japan.Method Critical incident technique was used because of its ability to captureactual incidents from practice. Written, anonymous self-report data were collectedduring 2010. Participants were asked to recall two critical incidents where theyhad felt either rewarded or challenged at work. Data were analysed usingthematic analysis.Findings Analysis revealed striking similarities in the experiences of nursesfrom both countries. Four main themes emerged: the challenges of a complexwork environment; the challenges of resolving ethical conflicts; the rewards ofestablishing meaningful relationships; and the rewards of achieving excellence inindividual patient care.Conclusion The study provides new evidence from two different countries thatalthough there are some challenges, nurses reap many rewards from workingwith older people.