Abstract
The objective of this study was to specifically clarify the nursing practice of nurses with expertise in intensive care units(ICU), as well as to respond to recurring doubts about the "lack of nursing roles in ICU."
This study followed a qualitative approach using participant observation and semi-structured interviews.
In the present manuscript(Part 1), we elucidated nursing practice and its characteristics in response to the process of changes following heart surgery.
The results indicated that the nursing practice of nurses with expertise in ICU is comprised of "prevention of life-threatening situations," "adjustments for the promotion of functional independence," and "guidance toward the resumption of activities of daily living." In addition, characteristics were identified with regard to interpretation of physiological data. Specifically, nurses with expertise in ICU 1)applied these data to the detection of pain in patients and 2)were simultaneously prepared for measures against both the critical situation at hand and the possible critical situations that may follow, to thus prevent life-threatening situations. The above interpretation of physiological data among nurses with expertise in ICU indicates integration of care based on a perspective of caring, and involves functions unique to these nurses.
These results indicate a model of ICU nursing practice that establishes a smooth process for postoperative changes. In addition, issues in ICU nursing from the perspective of applying data from advanced medical equipment were also considered, and will be discussed in the next manuscript.
