Professional capability in triage nurses: A qualitative content analysis study

<p>Mostafa Bijani, Camellia Torabizadeh, Mahnaz Rakhshan and Mohammad Fararouei</p>

Professional capability in triage nurses: A qualitative content analysis study

Mostafa Bijani, Camellia Torabizadeh, Mahnaz Rakhshan and Mohammad Fararouei

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

Triage nurses play a key role in the prioritization of the needs of patients who are in critical conditions. Accordingly, it is essential that the concept of professional capability and its aspects be explored in these nurses. The present study aims to identify Iranian triage nurses' perception of professional capability. The present study is a qualitative work based on conventional content analysis. 20 triage nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and observation. The collected data were analyzed according to Graneheim and Lundman's method. Analysis of the data collected from the interviews yielded 3 categories and 9 subcategories. In the present study, professional capability was found to be comprised of 3 domains: clinical competence, psychological empowerment, and professional commitment. The results of the study helped identify a wide range of the dimensions of and factors affecting professional capability in triage nurses. Nursing administrators can use the findings of the study to identify nurses who are qualified to work in triage units and develop programs to enhance triage nurses' professional capability.