Perception of novice nurses in an emergency box: A qualitative approach to their experiences and needs

Abstract

Background

Nurses play an essential role in the care of emergency hospital patients, being the ones who have the most contact with the patient and the first to be able to detect their imminent deterioration. However, the literature shows the impact that this can have in terms of stress and insecurity among new nurses, with the consequent risk of resignation in the institution and in their learning process.

Aims

To explore the process of incorporation of new nurses in the emergency room, as well as to identify and understand their emotions, difficulties, needs and proposals for improvement.

Methods

Qualitative research aimed at emergency room nurses in a tertiary level university hospital in Catalonia, between April 2022 and March 2023. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with content analysis.

Results

Four categories emerged: identification of deficiencies, emotional dimension, competencies of the expert nursing professional, and needs and proposals for improvement, as main themes.

Conclusions

Insufficient training and deficit of interdisciplinary communication skills appear as main stressors. The analysis of the results suggests the need to create an intervention program that protects the mental and emotional health of new nurses and ensures the integrity of their patients. Innovative and multimodal training adapted to generational change is called for, with virtual, immersive, and contextualized simulation scenarios, together with the implementation of tools such as debriefing and nursing clinical sessions.