Training needs detected by nurses in an intensive care unit: a phenomenological study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Critical Care Nursing
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses face increasing responsibilities due to advanced patient care and technology.
• Existing training for ICU nurses is often insufficient to address complex critical care demands.
• The European Federation of Critical Care Nurses Associations advocates for standardized ICU nurse training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the training needs of ICU nurses based on their practical experience and knowledge.
• To identify specific areas where ICU nurses perceive gaps in their current training.
• To inform the development of more effective and relevant ICU nursing education programs.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study employing a phenomenological approach.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen nurses from an adult polyvalent ICU.
• The study explored four key areas: clinical practice, professional development, management, and education.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported their initial training was inadequate for current critical care practices.
• On-the-job experience and ongoing training were identified as vital for effective performance.
• Continuous, targeted training is essential for developing expertise in critical care support and measures.

Conclusions:

• Nurses recognize a significant need for improved training to attain ICU competencies.
• The specific type of ICU unit and patient population influences the required nursing skills.
• Training programs must be adapted to the dynamic nature of critical care environments.