Registered nurses' competence for subarachnoid haemorrhage patients in intensive care units

Abstract

Background: Patients with a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) are critically ill. In Finland, most SAH patients are treated in critical care units. It is important to identify the competence of nurses working within these critical care units to ensure the care that is delivered is of high-quality. Aims: This study examined registered nurses' perceptions of their competence in providing nursing interventions to patients with a SAH in intensive care units (ICUs) in Finland. Methods: A total of 127 registered nurses who cared for SAH patients on ICUs at five university hospitals in Finland participated in this study. Quantitative, descriptive data were collected via a structured questionnaire that was developed for the study. Findings: Nurses evaluated their competence in all nursing interventions and in their ability to evaluate a patient's level of consciousness as good and very good, respectively. Nurses with a longer experience in treating SAH patients or nursing in general, evaluated themselves as more competent than nurses with less experience. Nurses had received some degree of education within their units surrounding the care of SAH patients. However, most nurses reported that they wanted to increase their level of competence. Conclusions: The reported experiences of nurses regarding caring for SAH patients or nursing in general is related to their perception of their level of competence at nursing interventions. It is highly recommended that the development and improvement of the competence of nurses is supported.