Are Italian Newly Licensed Nurses Ready? A Study on Self-Perceived Clinical Autonomy in Critical Care Scenarios

Abstract

The experience and self-confidence of healthcare professionals play critical roles in reducing anxiety levels during emergencies. It is important to recognize the potential impact of anxiety on performance. To enhance preparedness and confidence in managing emergencies, healthcare professionals benefit from regular training and simulations. Additionally, repeated exposure to emergency scenarios can help modulate physiological responses. Managing anxiety effectively is key, as heightened sympathetic stimulation associated with anxiety can adversely affect performance. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ self-assessed ability to manage emergency guidelines and their self-confidence in performing tasks in critical care settings. A questionnaire was provided to 1097 nurses. We compared the self-confidence of experienced nurses (ENs) and newly licensed nurses (NLNs) in managing emergency department shifts or critical patients, and found that ENs are more confident in these scenarios. This phenomenon was also observed in subjects who had taken simulation courses, although they were still a low percentage. Most NLNs feel sufficiently ready to work in medium-intensity wards. Attending advanced training courses enhances nurses’ self-confidence and may improve patient safety management., improving patient recovery, and minimizing errors. Attending courses improves the perception of autonomy of nurses in different scenarios.

Is Mental Health Worse in Medical Students than in the General Population? A Cross-Sectional Study

“…We should point out that the results of this type of study are very challenging due to the difficulty of recruiting participants. In fact, as is well known with regard to studies developed using questionnaires, it is difficult to involve a representative sample of the population, and they are generally not interested in participating [ 34 ]. In this population, these subjects may present clinically relevant characteristics and pathological profiles for study.…”

Reshaping Emergency Care: Dynamics of OHCA and STEMI in a Three-Year Analysis

“…This could potentially account for the observed increase in the percentage. In addition, this should also be achieved through appropriate simulation plans in order to support the analyses we have highlighted with the aim of explaining the roles and abilities of each emergency system operator [ 44 , 45 ]. Unfortunately, in our view, this element appears to be inadequately addressed in the formulation of national plans and should be implemented to a greater extent.…”