Working in the Intensive Care Unit-An Explorative Qualitative Study of Norwegian Intensive Care Nurses' Experiences

There is a global shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, and turnover is a main contributor. Turnover and shortages of ICU nurses have implications for patients, nurses, organisations and society in general. There is a need for up-to-date, in-depth knowledge concerning how ICU nurses experience working in the ICU and assess their professional future in clinical practice.

The main aim of this present study was to explore how ICU nurses experience working in the ICU. The second aim was to explore how ICU nurses assess their professional future in clinical practice.

The study was conducted in Norway. A qualitative explorative approach was applied. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed in accordance with the framework of Braun and Clarke. The Self-Determination Theory on human motivation, development and wellness guided the study. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guided the reporting process.

Eight ICU nurses from four general ICUs across three university hospitals consented to participate. The analysis revealed four themes: Thriving with dynamic and demanding ICU nursing, Colleagues and staffing contribute to thriving in the ICU, Developing competence through ICU nursing education and clinical experience, and Finding a balance in professional and personal life.

A thriving working environment and a staffing level with the right competence may be important factors influencing ICU nurses' experience of working in the ICU and influencing their decisions to remain in the ICU.

The knowledge derived from the current study recognises the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for ICU nurses for working in the ICU. Supporting ICU nurses working in clinical practice requires the acknowledgement of their competence and personal life situation.