Specific Professional Training of Nurses in Intensive Care Unit: a Survey at the French Polynesia Hospital

Abstract

Aims : A specific professional training for nurses in intensive care unit (ICU) is recommended by Critical Care Societies. Because of an increased turnover of nurses in our unit, the different devices settled for the specific professional training have been evaluated in a quality of care process.

Materials and methods : Anonymous questionnaires were delivered to tutor nurses and newly employed nurses at the end of their specific professional training.

Results : Thirty-six questionnaires were sent. Ninety-two percent of nurses responded. A total of 65% of nurses agreed to perform an evaluation of newly employed nurses’ knowledge at the outset, 73% at the half of their training, and 88% at the end of their specific professional training. The 204 hours of specific training were considered sufficient by 73% of nurses, whereas 97% of them reported that this activity resulted in an extra work. Specific training was reported to be positive by 71% of nurses, whereas 80% of them reported that it should not be done by only nurses dedicated to specific techniques. Unit protocols were easy to use by 92% of respondents, whereas 97% of them found medical staffs to be very important for nurses’ training. The dedicated booklet was useful for 100% of nurses, easy to use for 89%, and clear for 82% of them. While quantification of performed procedures was not an important criterion for 67% of tutor nurses, 80% of newly employed nurses reported the inverse.

Conclusion : Specific professional training is important for ICU nurses. Its duration should be sufficient, and adequate methods should be used. This survey is the first step in a quality process aiming at improving newly employed nurses’ knowledge and practice.