Competence in intensive and critical care nursing: a literature review

This literature review defines and describes the concept of competence in adult intensive care nursing, with special reference to clinical and professional competence. The aim was to see whether and how the studies reviewed defined or described the concept of competence, and which domains of competence have been investigated in intensive and critical care nursing research. The review focuses on empirical studies retrieved from the COCHRANE and MEDLINE (1994-2005) databases. The final analysis comprised 45 studies. The studies were analysed by inductive content analysis. Very few (n=7) of the studies offered any definitions or descriptions of the concept of competence. Clinical and professional competence in intensive and critical care nursing can be defined as a specific knowledge base, skill base, attitude and value base and experience base of intensive and critical care nursing. Clinical competence can be divided into three and professional competence into four constituent domains. In clinical competence, these are the principles of nursing care; clinical guidelines; and nursing interventions. In professional competence, the domains are ethical activity; decision-making; development work; and collaboration. More empirical research is needed to examine competence in intensive and critical care nursing.