Nurturing nursing students during intensive care unit clinical practicum

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• High turnover rates among new graduate nurses are a significant challenge in healthcare.
• Nurse turnover leads to increased workload, burnout, and further staffing shortages.
• Neurosurgical intensive care units face unique recruitment and retention difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the transformation of a neurosurgical intensive care unit using Jean Watson's 10 Caritas processes.
• To explore the impact of this model on nursing students' clinical practicum experiences.
• To assess the potential of this approach in improving nurse recruitment, retention, and burnout prevention.

Main Methods:

• Application of Jean Watson's 10 Caritas processes within a neurosurgical intensive care unit.
• Integration of nursing students for clinical practicums.
• Qualitative and quantitative assessment of student learning, job seeking intentions, and staff well-being.

Main Results:

• Enhanced learning experiences for nursing students during their clinical practicum.
• Increased interest among students to pursue employment in the neurosurgical intensive care unit.
• Positive impact on nurse recruitment and retention efforts.
• Potential for mitigating nurse burnout through a supportive and caring environment.

Conclusions:

• The application of Jean Watson's 10 Caritas processes can transform intensive care units.
• This model effectively enhances nursing student education and encourages future employment in critical care.
• Implementing these processes is a viable strategy for improving nurse retention and preventing burnout.