Nurses' competencies in home healthcare: an interview study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Care

Background:

• Home healthcare (HHC) presents increasing challenges for nurses as advanced treatments move to patient residences.
• Nurses in HHC manage complex care needs, requiring a broad and adaptable skill set.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and perceived competencies of nurses working in home healthcare settings.
• To understand the factors influencing nurses' sense of capability and professional growth in HHC.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, explorative study design.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with ten HHC nurses.
• Content analysis used for data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Identified themes: 'Being a capable nurse,' 'Being a useful nurse,' and 'Being a subordinate and dependent nurse.'
• Nurses aspire to be proficient, provide safe care, and contribute to HHC improvement.
• Nurses experience dependence on managers for competence development opportunities.

Conclusions:

• HHC nurses are crucial for managing seriously ill patients and ensuring safe care.
• Strategies for competence development and knowledge transfer are essential for patient safety and staff retention.
• Addressing managerial support is vital for sustainable HHC nursing practice and preventing burnout.