Novice nurses' readiness to practice in an ICU: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Novice nurses (newly qualified within the first 3-year period of professional practice after registration) must first face the reality and complexity of caring for high-acuity patients in the critical care setting, which can be an unfamiliar and demanding environment. The successful transition from education to professional practice of novice nurses hired for intensive care must be supported.Aim: To explore Polish novice nurses' readiness to practice in an intensive care unit (ICU). Our study objectives included investigating pre-registration preparation for work in an ICU, identifying the most needed competencies to work in an ICU, and analysing organizational aspects of the professional orientation period.Study design: A qualitative phenomenology design was applied.Methods: We conducted qualitative content analysis based on individual semistructured in-depth interviews. Study recruitment was performed using a purposeful and network sampling strategy. The final number of participants was 17 Polish novice nurses. Results:The majority of responders replied that they were not prepared to work in an ICU after graduation. Professional orientation was planned-generally for a period of 3 months; however, in most places it was shortened. The respondents identified the five competencies most needed to work in an ICU: communication, teamwork, professional self-confidence, and knowledge and its practical use. Their enhancement could be achieved through simulations during both pre-registration and professional training. Conclusion:Analysis of the novice nurses' orientation period revealed many difficulties that indicated a lack of readiness to practice in an ICU after graduation. Identifying novice nurses' strengths and weaknesses regarding clinical competence is important to guide the design of orientation programmes in ICU settings and nursing education programmes.Relevance to clinical practice: Readiness for ICU work may be improved by enriching education with simulations that enable training in the practical use of knowledge and

Utilizing high‐fidelity simulation to improve newly licensed pediatric intensive care unit nurses' experiences with end‐of‐life care

“…This quality improvement EOL project adds to the existing body of knowledge, addressing the theory to practice gap (Kim & Kim, 2021), and on the benefits of simulation for novice ICU nurses who believe they were inadequately prepared to work in an ICU after graduation (Serafin et al, 2021). Our project also demonstrates promise for healthcare providers outside of the PICU setting who manage the care of children at EOL, such as in hospice and oncology settings.…”

<br/>ESTRATÉGIAS QUE SUPORTAM A INTEGRAÇÃO DE ENFERMEIROS EM UCI: Revisão Sistemática de Evidência de Significado<br/>

“…Nos estudos analisados, os participantes expressam não existir programas de treino específicos para enfermeiros de UCI (10,(12)(13)(14) . Os estudos de Padilla (12) e Rossler (13) referem ser necessário o desenvolvimento de programas de orientação com as melhores práticas centradas na identificação de estratégias de ensino, que colmatem falhas e fomentem a formação e o treino, permitindo que enfermeiros iniciados adquiram conhecimentos e desenvolvam o pensamento crítico, para cuidar com segurança e alcançar a excelência.…”

The Effects of Pain, Agitation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption Education on Novice Nurses in Adult Intensive Care Units

“…Novice nurses must face both the rapid changes in patients’ disease conditions and the complexity of caring for patients in a critical care setting. However, many novice nurses lack confidence in their critical care nursing skills and also have insufficient knowledge to work in an ICU [ 13 , 14 ]. In addition, novice nurses were not well-prepared to transition to the professional role in an ICU setting [ 14 ].…”

“…However, many novice nurses lack confidence in their critical care nursing skills and also have insufficient knowledge to work in an ICU [ 13 , 14 ]. In addition, novice nurses were not well-prepared to transition to the professional role in an ICU setting [ 14 ]. Unfamiliar knowledge and skills might result in a risk to ICU patients’ safety.…”