Nurses' experiences of uncertainty in clinical practice: a descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Clinical Practice
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Uncertainty is a complex and inherent phenomenon in nursing and medical encounters.
• Limited research explores nurses' lived experiences of uncertainty and their coping strategies.
• Existing studies focus more on theoretical definitions than practical experiences of uncertainty in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore nurses' experiences of uncertainty in their clinical practice.
• To identify themes and categories describing how nurses navigate uncertainty.
• To understand the strategies nurses employ to manage uncertainty and ensure patient care.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study design was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 female bachelor's degree nurses.
• Interviews took place in an urban teaching hospital in Iran in 2009; data were analyzed using content analysis.

Main Results:

• Three overarching themes emerged: 'unclear domain of practice', 'compatibility with uncertainty', and 'psychological reactions to uncertainty'.
• Compatibility with uncertainty included sub-categories of 'losing sensitivity' and 'avoiding trouble'.
• Themes were interconnected, illustrating how nurses managed uncertainty to meet patient needs effectively.

Conclusions:

• Increased awareness and understanding of uncertainty are crucial for improving the nursing work environment and patient care quality.
• Findings can inform nurse managers in developing educational strategies to prepare nurses for uncertain situations.
• Addressing nurses' experiences of uncertainty can enhance their professional practice and patient outcomes.