Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) encompass advanced clinical management and technology, mandating continuing education for nurses to maintain competency. This study examined nurses' perceptions of current education on invasive mechanical ventilation in an Australian ICU.
Methods: Qualitative data were obtained from five optional open-ended questions as part of a larger 30-item cross-sectional survey of 160 ICU nurses. Content analysis was used to code the data, developing concepts and themes.
Results: Fifty nurses (31%) completed at least one open-ended question. Content analysis identified five major themes: advanced knowledge, in-service education, practical structured education, interactive bedside teaching, and practicing safe care. Respondents' perceived continuing education on invasive mechanical ventilation to be more focused on novice than experienced ICU nurses and recommended practical, structured bedside teaching as the preferred method of education.
Conclusion: Respondents recognized the need for interactive, practical, bedside education sessions to transfer learning into the everyday work environment.
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