Að vinna margslungin verk af fagmennsku í breytilegu umhverfi : um störf hjúkrunarfræðinga á skurðlækningadeildum

Abstract

Discourse about nursing often concentrates on the workload of nurses. It is important to introduce a different perspective on that discourse by presenting a clear picture of the diversity of their work. Being a nurse within a surgical division includes caring for surgical patients. As this aspect has not been studied in great detail in Iceland, it is unclear what precisely the work encompasses. The aim of this study was to identify what the practices of nurses within the surgical wards of Landspítali -University Hospital comprise. Data were collected by qualitative methods. One focus-group was formed with ten nurses who worked at eight wards within the surgical division of Landspítali -University Hospital. The group met ten times and each participant described in detail one shift and the eventful incidences that took place during their working day. The discussions were tape-recorded, analysed, themes detected and verified by the participants. Five main themes emerged with the overarching theme “in the flow of professional competence” entailing a multifaceted and complex work, performed in a ever-changing environment. The main themes are 1) Performing manifold nursing tasks proficiently; 2) To find the particular within the ordinary; 3) To master the flow of information and communication; 4) Existing within an unpredictable environment and getting the work done; 5) To make use of and enjoy one’s professional development. These themes reveal that the essence of the nurses’ practice is communication with patients, relatives and co-workers. However, applying technological competency, surveillance, management and constant adaptation to altered circumstances is also a part of their work.