Recognition of the Role of Nursing Expertise in Team Care by Competent Nurses

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain how competent nurses view nursing expertise as part of team care.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 nurses with 3-4 years of clinical experience, and their responses were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive methodology.
Results: The ways in which competent nurses viewed nursing expertise as part of team care were classified into 6 categories: Ascertaining the needs of the patient and his or her family through close interaction, Identifying what is best for the patient and providing care in line with the patient’s lifestyle, The ability to perform a multi-faceted assessment that identifies even subtle changes, Sharing information that allows the team to better assist the patient, Encouraging the development of interpersonal relationships among team members, and Drawing upon the valued expertise of other professionals. Based on subcategories, competent nurses sensed The challenge of reporting to other professionals, Difficulty speaking out during conferences, and A lack of understanding of one’s expertise on behalf of other professionals.
Conclusion: Results suggested that postgraduate training programs for competent nurses need to be developed and that nurses need to be trained in the ability to address issues that may arise when collaborating with other professionals.