Perceptions on Pain Management among Korean Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

PURPOSE: The present survey was conducted to investigate the perceptions among nurses of neonatal pain and the associated use of pharmacologic measures (PMs) and nonpharmacologic comfort measures (CMs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Pain perception, the necessity and actual use of PMs and CMs, and their relationships were investigated and compared according to nurses' positions, educational levels, the existence of guidelines, and prior education on neonatal pain management. METHODS: Participants were 141 nurses from five NICUs at university hospitals. A questionnaire was developed by researchers based on previous studies of neonatal pain management and current practices in surveyed NICUs. Five-point Likert scales were used to assess nurses' perceptions of pain, the necessity of PMs and CMs, and their actual use in 29 painful procedures. RESULTS: The mean scores of perceived pain and the necessity of PMs and CMs were 3.68, 2.96, and 3.79 points, respectively. The actual use of PMs and CMs was 1.67 and 2.63 points, respectively. The perceived necessity of PMs correlated with the actual use of PMs (r = .316, p < .001), and CMs were performed (r = .390, p < .001). Keeping or reading guidelines, or receiving education on pain management resulted in a higher perception of the necessity of PMs. CONCLUSION: Korean nurses in NICUs often underestimate the necessity of pain relief measures and use few PMs or CMs. Therefore, systematic approaches to implement guidelines, such as adaptation of guidelines for each NICU, dissemination of guideline content to all NICU staff, and regular measurements of compliance with the guidelines, are recommended.

Lived Adaptation Experiences of New ICU Nurses Who are Working in a Newly Established University Hospital / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the meaning of the adaptation experiences of new ICU nurses who were working in a newly established university hospital. The study was based on phenomenological research methodology. METHODS: Data were collected over 3 months through in depth interview with 6 new nurses who had worked less than 1 year in a newly established ICU of university hospital of less than 1 year located in Y city. The Colaizzi analysis method was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The themes were classified into 13 themes clusters. The 13 themes clusters were finally grouped into 6 categories, 'The endlessness of a new beginning', 'Pressure of work due to lack of senior nurses', 'Wanting to quit', 'Attachment for the complete hospital and ICU', 'Preciousness of colleagues', 'Pride in self-growth'. CONCLUSION: New ICU nurses have a difficult time due to pressures of work and lack of expert knowledge, and anxiety adds to these problems making the situation more difficult. The study results indicate that professional knowledge and skills learned through repetition of difficult work, pride through self growth, recognition from others and good-fellowship are driving forces to overcome obstacles and with stand difficult daily work.