Challenges and work crisis facing critical care nurses

Abstract

Background Nursing turnover and shortage are acknowledged as worldwide issues. Therefore, understanding the challenges that faces the nurses and overcome these challenges is essential in retaining them. Study was aimed to assess the challenges and work crisis facing critical care nurses. Subjects and Methods Research design : A descriptive, exploratory, qualitative research design was used. Setting Trauma ICU, ICC unit, and general ICU at Assiut University Hospital. Subjects (45) staff nurses. Tool of data collection A structured interview questionnaire consists of two parts; Personal characteristics and Challenges and Crisis Questionnaire Assessment tool through 2016. Results About 68.88% of the study sample were aged between 20 and 30 years and were married, and 44.44% had experience of 1–5 years. 88.88% of them reported large number of patients in ICUs, 82.22% reported increase in workload and increased numbers of night shifts. 97.8% fear of the possibility of infection from patients and 73.3%, have conflict between nurses and doctors. (84.5%) recorded working atmosphere filled with tension and stress. (93.3%) have sense of responsibility for some of the equipment and materials, and some critical cases. (91.1%) had family life at risk. Conclusion Admission of a large number of patients in the ICUs, increase in workload, exposure means for family life owing to choose the profession of nursing, and stability in family life disorder because of increased working hours and long shift were the most common challenges facing nurses. Recommended Training programs should be provided to develop coping skills among staff, and nurses’ mangers should take active steps to create positive work environment.