Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies of Newly Recruited ICU Nurses in a Resource-Constrained Hospital in Ghana.

AIM: To explore the lived experiences and coping strategies of newly recruited intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in a resource-constrained setting in Accra, Ghana.

DESIGN

An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted.

METHODS

We purposively recruited 12 newly recruited nurses from the ICUs of a teaching hospital in Accra. The participants were interviewed using a pilot-tested interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of Nvivo 11.

RESULTS/FINDINGS: The main themes identified were experiences and coping strategies of the newly recruited nurses. On the sub-themes under experiences, we identified the following: shift mismatches, unavailability of mentors and lack of supportive learning environment. On the coping strategies, the following sub-themes were identified: self-directed learning, the expectation of implementation of structured orientation programmes, regular evaluation and peer support networks.

CONCLUSIONS

There is ineffective mentorship of newly recruited ICU nurses due to the absence of institutional mentorship protocols. Peer mentoring, periodic competence-based assessment, and protected mentorship time are useful strategies that can be harnessed to promote nursing skills transfer in newly recruited nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NURSING PROFESSION: Nursing heads of hospitals should ensure structured mentorship protocols are put in place as well as protected mentor time to ensure effective nursing mentorship. Furthermore, heads of in-service training units of hospitals need to institute competence-based orientation programmes and periodic competence-based assessment to help newly recruited nurses' transition effectively into the work environment.

IMPACT: This study explored gaps in mentorship and identified strategies to promote effective nursing skills transfer. The findings will help nurse managers in hospitals ensure effective mentorship of newly recruited nurses.

REPORTING METHOD: We adhered to COREQ guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Twelve newly recruited nurses actively participated in the study.