Norwegian Nurse Anesthetist Perceptions of Professional Development and the Influence of Production Pressure

Professional development is often connected with making improvements that affect patient experiences, needs, and safety. Competency maintenance, professional development, and updating skills and knowledge are demanded at workplaces, especially hospitals. The aim of this study was to examine Norwegian nurse anesthetist perceptions of professional development and research in the workplace. A qualitative method was used, which included individual interviews with a strategic sample of 14 nurse anesthetists working in anesthesia departments. A grounded theory approach was used for analysis. From the data analysis, 1 main category, "climate of professional development and research," and 2 subcategories," professional development and production" and "professional development and management," were elicited. The results show that nurse anesthetists want to maintain their knowledge so they can deliver goodquality care for the patient. The current emphasis on production seems to be a negative factor for a good climate of professional development and research. Attitudes among managers and nurses were other factors that emerged as affecting the professional environment. Both nurse anesthetists' and anesthesia department managers have the potential to improve and increase knowledge, encourage motivation, and facilitate sufficient organization so that greater focus will be given to professional development and research in nurse anesthesia.