SELF-PERCEIVED NURSE PRACTITIONER CORE COMPETENCIES AND INFLUENCE ON CRITICAL CARE -A NATIONWIDE STUDY

Ferganzia Jubilson, Dr. Ponchitra. R

Abstract

Background: The demand for Nurse Practitioners in critical care is increasing due to rising burden of critical illnesses, advancements in medicine and need for skillful, competent workforce capable of managing complex patient cases. Their unique skill set empowered through rigorous education and clinical training is vital in meeting the dynamic challenges of these high intensity environments.

Objective: The study aimed to assess and compare the self-perceived core competencies of Nurse Practitioners in critical care among the stakeholders and to assess the influence of Nurse Practitioners on critical care.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in multiple settings with a sample size of 210 nationwide. The participants were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The data was collected using Researcher prepared rating scales to assess the perception regarding self-perceived core competencies and perception related to influence of Nurse Practitioners on critical care among the NPCC Stakeholders.

Results: More than 68% of the Stakeholders perceived confidence in Core competencies with no statistically significant difference among NPCC stakeholders at 5% level (F= 2.521,        p = 0.083). More than 81% perceived positively regarding influence of Nurse Practitioners on critical care with high significant differences noted among NPCC stakeholders at 5% level (F= 15.49, p = 0.000).

 Conclusion: From the perspective of the NPCC Stakeholders, the study highlights that they feel confident in the core competencies of the Nurse Practitioners in Critical care and perceive positively about their influence on critical care. The Nationwide acknowledgement of the NPCC Stakeholders about the competencies and influence of Nurse Practitioners in critical care is a testament to reinforce the importance of expanding Nurse Practitioner roles in critical care, ensuring greater autonomy and integrating them into leadership positions. It also calls for continued professional development, policy support and institutional backing to optimize the impact of Nurse Practitioners in Critical care environments.