The purpose of this study was to identify the role adaptation process experienced by executive directors of nursing department of general hospitals.

Data were collected from 9 executive nursing directors though in-depth interviews about their experiences. The main question was "How do you describe your experience of the process of role adaptation as an executive nursing director?" Qualitative data from field and transcribed notes were analyzed using Strauss & Corbin's grounded theory methodology.

The core category of experience of the process of role adaptation as an executive nursing director was identified as "entering the center with pushing and pulling". The participants used five interactional strategies; 'maintaining modest attitudes', 'inquiring about trends of popular feeling', 'making each person a faithful follower', 'collecting & displaying power', 'leading with initiative'. The consequences of role adaptation in executive nursing directors were 'coexisting with others', 'immersing in one's new role with dedication', and 'having capacity for high tolerance'. The types of role adaptations of executive directors in nursing department were friendly type, propulsive type, accommodating type.

The results of this study produced useful information for executive nursing directors on designing a self-managerial program to enhance role adaptation based on interactional strategies.