Experiences and perceptions of non-intensive care trained nurses in caring for patients on mechanical ventilators in Mahalapye district hospital, Botswana.

There is increasing patient acuity in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Botswana, with a growing demand for mechanical ventilation. As a result, non-intensive care-trained nurses are increasingly involved in caring for patients on mechanical ventilators in the ICUs. There seems to be little research on non-intensive care trained nurses’ experiences and perceptions in caring for patients on mechanical ventilation in Botswana, yet they play a significant role in the care of ventilated patients. This poses a gap in understanding these nurses' specific experiences and perceptions in their roles in caring for patients on mechanical ventilators. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of non-intensive care trained nurses caring for patients on mechanical ventilators in Mahalapye District Hospital in Botswana. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. The researcher purposively selected eight non-intensive trained nurses who had cared for patients on mechanical ventilators for at least one year. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step approach. Five major themes and eleven sub-themes emerged from this study. Theme one, emotional burden and exhaustion in caring for patients on mechanical ventilators, had a sub-theme: stress and burnout. Theme two, perceived lack of knowledge and learning on the job, had three sub-themes: knowledge and skill gaps in ventilator management; coping strategies employed for knowledge and skill development; and the need for training and professional development. Theme three isresource and organisational challenges, while theme four, support and teamwork in ventilated patient care delivery, had two sub-themes: support and collaboration, and challenges in collaboration. Theme five, positive perceptions of caring for ventilated patients and professional fulfilment, has two sub-themes. Non-intensive care-trained nurses face challenges in caring for mechanically ventilated patients, including emotional distress, knowledge gaps, and resource limitations. Addressing these issues through targeted training, emotional support programmes and improved resource allocation is essential to enhancing the quality of nursing care for ventilated patients and could improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Non-intensive care trained nurses, mechanical ventilation, Intensive care unit, experiences, perceptions, ventilated patient.