Perceptions of critical care nurses on staff shortages in intensive care units at Princess Marina hospital, Gaborone, Botswana.
Date
2025
Authors
Maika, Mothusi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Staff shortages in intensive care units are a critical issue affecting healthcare systems worldwide. The shortage of nurses in intensive care units can lead to adverse outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Shortage of critical care nurses can significantly impact the perceptions of these nurses towards their profession and the broader healthcare system, leading to concerns about workload, job satisfaction, safety, career development, and systemic issues within healthcare delivery. It was, therefore, of utmost importance that critical care nurses’ perceptions of staff shortage were investigated to create not only a dialogue but action to improve the situation. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of critical care nurses on staff shortages in the intensive care unit at Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana. A case study design was employed. Data were collected through unstructured in-depth interviews with 10 critical care nurses and observations using a checklist within the intensive care unit. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six steps of analysis. The findings revealed four themes and eleven subthemes. The first theme, compromised quality of patient care was informed by three subthemes namely; delayed responses to patient needs, reduced monitoring of patients, and increased risk of errors. The second theme, physical and psychological impact on the nurse consists of three subthemes. In the third theme, ineffective coping strategies, three subthemes emerged and include over-reliance on overtime, Minimal use of support systems, and abuse of sick leaves. The fourth theme is role of adequate staffing in patient care which has two subthemes, specifically improved patient outcomes and enhanced nurse well-being. Staff shortages in the intensive care unit have a profound effect on both patient care and the well-being of critical care nurses. It is essential to increase the number of nursing staff in the intensive care unit to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. This will help reduce the workload on individual nurses, allowing
them to provide more comprehensive and timely care. Implementing policies to recruit and retain more critical care nurses can mitigate the adverse effects of staff shortages on patient care and nurse well-being.
Key words: Perceptions, Critical care nurses, ICU staff shortages, Challenges, Coping strategies, Patient care quality.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Critical Care Nursing.