Competence requirements in intensive and critical care nursing--still in need of definition? A Delphi study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Empirical studies in competence are lacking in the field of intensive and critical care nursing. OBJECTIVE: To identify competence requirements, by soliciting the views of intensive care unit nurses and physicians. METHODS: Two rounds of the Delphi method were used in 2006 in Finland. Data were analysed by content analysis and with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Competence requirements in intensive and critical care nursing can be divided into five main domains knowledge base, skill base, attitude and value base, nursing experience base and personal base of the nurse. Four of these domains can be found in the existing requirements and one new domain - personal base of the nurse - was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Competence requirements are multidimensional. Earlier descriptions of competence are not sufficient; more comprehensive and cohesive descriptions are needed. The personal base of a nurse should also be included in the competence requirements in intensive and critical care nursing.