Educational Content Focusing on Basic Skills for Novice Nurses to Work Independently in Intensive Care Units in Japan: A Qualitative Study

Introduction/Objectives In Japan, novice nurses are assigned to intensive care units immediately after graduation and are expected to become independent within about a year. Therefore, in addition to long-term, comprehensive educational programs, establishing an educational system that allows novice nurses to learn intensive care unit nursing while working is necessary. This study explored senior nurses’ expectations for novice nurses working independently in the intensive care unit after one year and identified the foundational skills needed for novice nurses to achieve this independence. Methods The research collaborators were eight senior nurses working in the intensive care unit of an acute care hospital. They were recruited from four facilities and had five or more years of clinical experience. The study used semi-structured interviews to generate data about the reports, contacts, and consultations they would expect from novice nurses to determine their readiness to become independent. Results This study clarified the circumstances under which novice nurses with no practical experience should voluntarily seek support to work as independent nurses one year after being assigned to an intensive care unit. It reflects the characteristics of patients who require intensive management, such as “assistance with central line insertion and removal” and “evaluation of vital signs,” as well as other advanced procedures. Conclusion This study clarified the basic skills required for novice nurses and identified the areas in which they should seek support. In the future, this method may be utilized in the early stages of novice nurse education.