Professional judgement in nursing: insights from focus group research

Professional judgement is a critical yet complex component of nursing practice, influencing clinical decision-making, workforce management and patient safety. Although this is widely acknowledged in theory, the understanding of how nurses develop and integrate it into professional practice appears limited. This qualitative study explored the perspectives and experiences of senior nurses regarding professional judgement. An inductive, qualitative approach was used and four focus groups were conducted online with 16 participants, including assistant directors of nursing, senior nurse managers, lead and consultant nurses and district nurse team leaders from health boards across Wales. Data were thematically analysed and six themes identified: making sense of professional judgement; developing professional judgement in self and others; personal and professional influences; cognitive influences; organisational influences; and articulating professional judgement. These themes reflect the complexity of professional judgement and highlight the importance of reflection, collaboration and confidence in articulating judgements in professional practice. The value of experience and role modelling, which shape how professional judgement is applied in practice, also reflect the importance of supporting nurses' development in its use in complex environments. Findings emphasise the need for training, mentorship and organisational support to enhance nurses' professional judgement.