General well-being of intensive care nurses: A prototype analysis

Wellbeing as perceived and experienced by intensive care unit nurses: An interpretive qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

There is an intensive care nursing workforce crisis. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses provide highly technical and compassionate care to the growing number of ICU patients. Urgent attention is required for ICU nursing workforce planning and development. The promotion of wellbeing is positively linked to recruitment, retention, and workplace satisfaction. Exploration of wellbeing from an intensive care nurse's perspective is required to ensure an in-depth understanding to guide future interventions and research.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore ICU nurses' perceptions of wellbeing in the context of their work.

METHODS

This study utilised an inductive, interpretive qualitative design, involving semistructured focus groups with ICU nurses employed within a large metropolitan unit in Australia. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

A total of 31 critical care nurses participated in five semistructured focus groups. Four themes were evident: (i) intergenerational wellbeing; (ii) the evolution of wellbeing; (iii) the illusion of balance; and (iv) meaning and purpose.

CONCLUSION

This research explores the perceptions of wellbeing from an intensive care nurse's perspective. The four identified themes provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic from a unique viewpoint. This deep understanding is imperative for future research and the generation of meaningful interventions to promote wellbeing, with a goal to increase wellbeing and longevity of the intensive care nursing workforce.

Nurses' well-being during the coronavirus (2019) pandemic: A longitudinal mixed-methods study

AIM

To determine prevalence, predictors and change over time of nurses' and student nurses' mental health and well-being, and explore nurses' perceptions, barriers and enablers of well-being.

DESIGN

Longitudinal mixed-methods survey.

METHODS

Forty-nine students and registered nurses participated from Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from December 2019 to July 2020. Validated psychometrics and free-text response questions were employed. Analysis used latent growth curve modelling, Pearson product-moment correlations and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A strong positive correlation was found between self-determination and work well-being, and a strong negative correlation between work well-being and flight risk. Several moderate relationships were found; a moderate positive correlation between work well-being and nurse manager ability, leadership and support, and a moderate negative correlation between burnout and staffing and resource adequacy. Collegial nurse-physician relationships deteriorated. Three themes, physical health, psychological well-being and social connection, were identified as important for nurses' well-being.