Self-confidence: a requirement for collaborative practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Self-confidence is a crucial attribute for critical care nurses.
• Effective collaboration is vital for optimal patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Nurse managers play a key role in shaping the work environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of nurse manager-created environments on critical care nurse self-confidence.
• To determine how enhanced nurse self-confidence influences collaborative relationships within the ICU.
• To provide evidence-based strategies for nurse managers to improve teamwork and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with critical care nurses and nurse managers.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify key environmental factors.
• Exploration of the relationship between perceived self-confidence and reported collaboration levels.

Main Results:

• Specific managerial actions, such as providing constructive feedback and opportunities for professional growth, were linked to increased nurse self-confidence.
• Nurses reporting higher self-confidence levels described more open and effective communication with colleagues.
• A supportive and empowering work environment correlated positively with both self-confidence and collaborative practices.

Conclusions:

• Nurse managers can significantly influence critical care nurse self-confidence through environmental design.
• Fostering self-confidence in nurses is a viable strategy for improving collaboration in the ICU.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing the ICU work environment are recommended for nurse managers seeking to improve teamwork.