Workplace Readiness of New ICU Nurses: A Grounded Theory Study
Background: Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are hiring large groups of new nurse graduates without providing these new hires with the training to promote competency. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to explain workplace readiness of new graduates entering the ICU from the perspectives of managers, clinical educators, preceptors, and new RN graduates. Method: Grounded theory was the qualitative approach used with this study. A total of 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with managers, educators, preceptors, and new graduates in ICUs. Results: The Novice Nurse Embracing the ICU theory (NNEIT) emerged from the following four themes: (a) embracing the new ICU role, (b) overwhelming experience of performance ambiguity or anxiety, (c) adapting to the ICU, and (d) embodying the new ICU RN role. Conclusions: The theory that emerged from the study will provide guidance in resolving the discourse of the competencies and skills for new nurses entering the ICU.
