Wellbeing as perceived and experienced by intensive care unit nurses: An interpretive qualitative analysis

Abstract

Background

There is an intensive care nursing workforce crisis. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses provide highly technical and compassionate care to the growing number of ICU patients. Urgent attention is required for ICU nursing workforce planning and development. The promotion of wellbeing is positively linked to recruitment, retention, and workplace satisfaction. Exploration of wellbeing from an intensive care nurse's perspective is required to ensure an in-depth understanding to guide future interventions and research.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore ICU nurses’ perceptions of wellbeing in the context of their work.

Methods

This study utilised an inductive, interpretive qualitative design, involving semistructured focus groups with ICU nurses employed within a large metropolitan unit in Australia. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

A total of 31 critical care nurses participated in five semistructured focus groups. Four themes were evident: (i) intergenerational wellbeing; (ii) the evolution of wellbeing; (iii) the illusion of balance; and (iv) meaning and purpose.

Conclusion

This research explores the perceptions of wellbeing from an intensive care nurse's perspective. The four identified themes provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic from a unique viewpoint. This deep understanding is imperative for future research and the generation of meaningful interventions to promote wellbeing, with a goal to increase wellbeing and longevity of the intensive care nursing workforce.