Signs in infants receiving intensive care that forewarn pediatric nurses that “something is out of the ordinary”

Abstract

 This study aimed to identify signs of infants receiving intensive care that could alert caregiving nurses to “something out of the ordinary”. We conducted a semi-structured interview with 11 nurses and analyzed the information that was gathered qualitatively and inductively. We constructed three large categories, 9 categories, and 29 subcategories. The first large category is constructed of four categories, which is [signs of infants perceived by nurses] from the current temporary situation of the infants. The second is constructed of three categories, which is [signs of infants captured while interacting with and caring for the infant] identified in light of experience and knowledge. The last is constructed of two categories, which is [signs of infants that are captured by using indications and information from others, e.g. family members, medical staffs, as clues]. Results suggested that, in reality, rather than relying on any single type of sign, nurses use combinations of a variety of signs to assess when “something is out of the ordinary” and the infant may be at risk.