Revisiting the Fork in the Road: Exploring the Meaning of Critical Incident Stress Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Date
2018-12-18
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Abstract
The nature of registered nurses’ (RNs’) work in the intensive care unit (ICU) places them at risk for encountering work-related critical incident stress. Critical incident stress is a term used to describe the broad and diverse range of responses that occur following a sudden and unexpected event known as a critical incident. Critical incident stress in the context of ICU nurses has been understudied. The purpose of this inquiry was to expand understanding of the meanings of work-related critical incident stress for RNs working with adults in the ICU. This research study was conducted using an interpretive approach based on Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics. Nine ICU RNs were interviewed to gain insight and further understanding of this topic. The interpretations from this work suggested that nurses attempted to cope with critical incident stress by functioning in “autopilot,” altering their ability to critically think and conceal emotions. Critical incident stress was influenced by the perception of judgment from co-workers and by the organizational culture. Participants emphasized the importance of timely crisis interventions tailored and individualized to support those in need of assistance. The concept of co-worker support underpinned by an authentic way of being with another through relating and connecting with team members was one element of crisis intervention considered beneficial. This study highlighted that critical incident stress was transformative in how ICU nurses’ practiced and in their view of nursing. For some participants, transformation took place in the form of an altered professional self-identity. Understanding the experience of critical incident stress in the context of ICU RNs has implications for nurses, the discipline, and the health care system.
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Keywords
critical incident stress, critical incident stress, trauma in nursing, stress in ICU nursing
Citation
Harvey, G. (2018). Revisiting the Fork in the Road: Exploring the Meaning of Critical Incident Stress Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.