title: The experiences of trained nurses caring for critically ill patients within a general ward setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The concept that critical care is a service rather than a location has been increasingly highlighted. However, there is limited information regarding nurses' perceptions of caring for critically ill patients outside of high dependency areas.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence the experiences of trained nurses caring for critically ill patients within a general ward setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an exploratory, descriptive study combining an interview and questionnaire methodology. A purposive sample of seven trained nurses reflecting a range of grades and experience, from one medical ward were selected. A semi-structured interview combined with an attitudinal scale was utilised.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following analysis five key themes emerged: clinical environment, professional relationships, patient assessment, nurse's feelings and educational needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Whilst the findings of this study cannot be generalised, analysis of the data has provided an insight into the complex factors that effect care delivery. In order to respond to this study's findings, there are resource implications. Educational requirements and communication skills will need to be developed.
authors.affiliation: University of the West of England, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK. helen3.cox@uwe.ac.uk
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Jayne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hunt
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001242:Assertiveness; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D010362:Patients' Rooms; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012659:Semantic Differential; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload