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Exploring the expanded role of nurses in critical care
M Hind1, D Jackson, C Andrewes
1Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth University, UK. mhind@bournemouth.ac.uk
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing
|December 14, 1999
Summary
Nurses and doctors support expanding nursing roles in critical care units to better meet patient needs. This study found strong backing for new nursing responsibilities, including advanced procedures and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Critical Care Medicine
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The role of nurses in intensive/coronary/high-dependency care units is evolving.
- Understanding staff perceptions is crucial for successful role expansion in critical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore nursing and medical staff perceptions of expanded nursing roles in critical care.
- To identify specific role-expansion activities supported by nursing staff.
Main Methods:
- Two-phase study: qualitative (focus groups, interviews) followed by quantitative (questionnaire).
- Thematic content analysis of qualitative data.
- Development of a questionnaire based on initial findings.
Main Results:
- Both doctors and nurses favored nursing role developments, driven by patient needs.
- Substantial support exists for critical care nurses undertaking activities like cannulation, venepuncture, ordering tests, and performing procedures such as arterial line insertion and intubation.
- Key themes identified: specialized skills, maintaining competence, scope of practice, and training needs.
Conclusions:
- There is significant support for expanding the scope of practice for critical care nurses.
- Effective implementation requires evaluation of new roles in measurable terms and regular audits.
- Further research is recommended on the development and evaluation of new critical care nursing roles.