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| Author | Stephanie Mifsud |
| Abstract | An evident literature gap exists with regards to research addressing anaesthetic nursing practice and their role perceptions, both locally as well as on an international level. This study investigates Maltese operating theatre nurses perceptions of their role in anaesthesia. An accessible population of 27 participants was identified and utilised for the study. It was carried out at the three main operating theatres in the local, large, general state-owned hospital. A descriptive survey, non-experimental approach was deemed appropriate for this study. A formal, structured, self-report questionnaire was the data collection tool developed for this study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained and were analysed respectively through content analysis and manual counting of the responses obtained. The findings of the study overall point out to nurses satisfied with their work, with the majority choosing to work in this particular area in theatre. The majority identified their main role as the provision of holistic patient centred care, especially psychological care. This was identified as being achieved through collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, in particular the anaesthetist. The majority of participants (n=20) have received the post-graduate training course offered for this role, however, only 45% found this training adequate. These findings highlight the need for modification of the current training provided, improvement in the duration and organisation of the student allocations, and the compilation of a formal job description. There also seems to be an indication that the young people hold differing values from their old peers that affect career choices. In fact, in this study various factors are identified as motivating in the choosing of a career. Such factors include a `good working environment', `a good salary' and `high job status'. Yet, by many, these factors are still not recognised as being associated with nursing. |
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| Pages | - |
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| Key words | Operating Theatre, Nurses, Perception, Anaesthesia, Thesis |