Psychosocial problems experienced by intensive care nurses regarding sleep pattern within the scope of working conditions: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Background: Nurses working in intensive care units experience insomnia and accompanying psychosocial problems due to working conditions.

Aim: This study explores with a phenomenological approach the psychosocial problems experienced by intensive care nurses regarding sleep patterns within the scope of working conditions.

Study design: In this phenomenological study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 nurses working in the surgical intensive care unit of a state hospital in Türkiye. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to reach the sample group. Researchers' interviews continued until they reached data saturation. All interviews were recorded on a voice recorder after obtaining the necessary permissions from the nurses and then transcribed. The study data were evaluated using thematic analysis. The current manuscript was reported following the COREQ checklist.

Results: Data analysis revealed three main themes (how working as an intensive care nurse changes sleep patterns, the relationship between shift work, work performance, patient care and how working as an intensive care nurse changes individual life and coping strategies) and nine subthemes (mental, physical, social, work performance, patient care, nutrition, family life, social life and coping).

Conclusion: The study's findings revealed that nurses working in intensive care experienced psychosocial difficulties related to sleep patterns and had trouble coping. In particular, it was determined that sleep problems of intensive care nurses cause difficulties in family life, nutrition and social life. It is recommended that the number of personnel in workplaces be increased, overtime hours should be limited, and professional development and training on the importance of sleep for all nurses should be provided.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses working in intensive care units may experience psychosocial problems due to working conditions, which may negatively change their coping skills. Therefore, organizing the working conditions of nurses positively changes their coping skills.