Novice nurses' readiness to practice in an ICU: A qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Critical Care Nursing
• Professional Development

Background:

• Novice nurses face challenges transitioning to high-acuity critical care settings.
• Successful integration into intensive care units (ICUs) requires robust support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Polish novice nurses' preparedness for ICU practice.
• To investigate pre-registration education, essential ICU competencies, and orientation program structures.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenology design.
• Individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 novice nurses.
• Purposeful and network sampling strategies were employed.

Main Results:

• Most participants reported feeling unprepared for ICU work post-graduation.
• Planned 3-month orientation periods were often shortened.
• Key competencies identified include communication, teamwork, self-confidence, and practical knowledge application.

Conclusions:

• Significant challenges exist in novice nurses' transition to ICU practice.
• Identifying competence gaps is vital for refining orientation and nursing education programs.
• Simulations and supportive work environments can enhance ICU readiness.