Core Competencies for Nurse’s Role in Bone Marrow Transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with another that normally functions. In Brazil, a nurse supervises nursing activities related to direct patient care, with other activities being exclusive to this profession. Due to the complexity of these patients, some BMT programs may choose to provide nursing care exclusively by registered nurses. Objectives: (i) To unveil nurses’ perceptions regarding the competencies required during the care process for patients in the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit; and (ii) to identify whether nurses recognize an increase in quality in BMT units that implement nursing care exclusively by registered nurses. Methods: A descriptive-exploratory study with a concurrent mixed-methods approach was conducted in a large hospital in the South Zone of São Paulo city with nurses working in BMT in 2023. Results: From the analysis of interviews, it was possible to categorize the results into three categories: a) the competencies required for nurses in BMT; b) BMT as a specialization for nursing; c) the relationship between exclusive nursing care and outcomes in BMT. Conclusion: Five core competencies were identified: clinical reasoning, decision-making, teamwork, health education, and leadership. Professionals recognize an increase in the quality of nursing care provided in BMT when exclusively performed by registered nurses.