Perceptions of critical care nurses on staff shortages in intensive care units at Princess Marina Hospital Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background
Staff shortages in intensive care units significantly affect global healthcare systems, compromising patient outcomes and placing considerable strain on nursing professionals. These shortages influence nurses’ perceptions of their roles, contributing to concerns about workload, job satisfaction, safety, career growth, and systemic inadequacies. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of critical care nurses regarding staff shortages in the ICU at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana, with the goal of informing future interventions and policy improvements.

Methods
A case study design was used. Data were gathered through unstructured in-depth interviews with ten ICU nurses and direct observation using a checklist. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key patterns and themes from the data, allowing an in-depth exploration of nurses’ experiences and views.

Results
Analysis revealed four main themes and eleven subthemes. The first theme, Compromised Quality of Patient Care, included delayed patient responses, reduced monitoring, and increased risk of errors. The second theme, Physical and Psychological Impact on Nurses, addressed increased workload and physical fatigue, psychological stress, and reduced job satisfaction. The third theme, Ineffective Coping Strategies, included over-reliance on overtime, minimal use of support systems, and abuse of sick leave. The fourth theme, Role of Adequate Staffing in Patient Care, encompassed improved patient outcomes and enhanced nurse well-being.

Conclusion
ICU staff shortages have detrimental effects on both patient care and nurse well-being. Addressing these challenges through improved staffing and targeted recruitment policies is essential to enhance care quality, reduce nurse burnout, and ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce.