Critical care nursing north of the 6oth Parallel: A qualitative pilot study.

Abstract

Background: There is growing knowledge specif c to remote, rural and northern nursing practice in Canada's north. However, there is limited research that specifically addresses the experiences of critical care nurses working in Canada's northern communities.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to begin to explore and better understand the experiences of Canadian nurses providing critical care to patients and families in intensive care units north of the 60th parallel.

Study design: An interpretive phenomenological analysis was used.

Method: Telephone interviews were conducted with three registered nurses currently employed in the designated intensive care unit on a full-time, part-time or casual basis. Interviews were thematically coded and analyzed. Member checks were used to ensure thick description for this pilot study was obtained.

Findings: The following themes evolved through the interpretive phenomenological analysis process, Going North, The Role of the Northern ICU Nurse, Challenges, Support, Positive Aspects of the Experience, and The Northern Experience.

Conclusions: Threaded throughout the main themes, participants made reference to "making it work". Making it work was reflected in how the participants described managing limited resources (particularly human resources), working within an expanded scope and managing the expectation that "the ICU nurse can do it."