Recognition and Status of Practicing Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing by Nurses in ICU

Aim: The purpose of this study was to survey how nurses who work in Intensive Care Units in Japan, realize and practice nursing based on the theory of Technological Competency of Caring in Nursing (TCCN). Methods: The survey was conducted from September 2016 to November 2016 by questionnaire entitled, “Perceived Inventory of Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing (PITCCN).” It was developed based on Locsin’s middle range theory on Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing. Copies of the Inventory were sent by mail to 426 ICU nurses working in hospitals within Japan. Three hundred eight questionnaire copies without missing values were returned (response rate was 72%). Results: (1) The scores about the practice situations of TCCN were significantly lower than those concerning the recognition of TCCN. Although ICU nurses recognized the need for TCCN, they thought that they had not practiced it enough. (2) In comparing the group having the education about caring and the group without the education, the scores concerning recognition of TCCN was significantly higher in educated group. However, no significant difference was found in the practice situation. (3) In comparing the variables “experience years of clinical nursing,” although this did not have a significant difference in the variable “recognition of TCCN.” However, the scores of the practice situation of TCCN was significantly higher compared between the group with 10 or more years of clinical experience than the group with less than 10 years’ experience. (4) In comparing years of experience, ICU nurses’ the scores concerning recognition of TCCN who had practice experience of 10 or more years was significantly higher than the group having less than fiveyears’ experience. Conclusion: By measuring nurses’ practical situation of TCCN, this focus will be to deliver high quality nursing through continuing professional education.