Basic Competence of Intensive Care Unit Nurses: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Critical Care Nursing
• Healthcare Professional Competence

Background:

• High competence among nursing personnel is crucial for optimal critical care patient outcomes.
• Understanding the self-assessed competence levels of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses is essential for quality improvement.
• Factors influencing nurses' self-perceived competence require investigation to inform educational and professional development strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate the self-assessed basic competence of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
• To identify factors related to the self-assessed basic competence of ICU nurses.
• To explore specific domains of competence, including knowledge, skills, attitude, values, and experience.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
• The Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale (version 1) was administered to 431 Finnish ICU nurses.
• Data were analyzed to determine mean competence scores and identify significant influencing factors.

Main Results:

• ICU nurses reported a good overall self-assessed basic competence (mean 4.19/5).
• The attitude and value base received the highest ratings, while the experience base was rated lowest.
• Experienced autonomy in nursing care was the strongest predictor of nurses' basic competence (P ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• ICU nurses generally perceive their basic and clinical competence as good, with collaboration and attitude/values being strong areas.
• The experience base and perceived autonomy in nursing care are critical factors influencing overall competence.
• Enhancing nurses' experienced autonomy should be a focus in critical care nursing education and professional development initiatives.