Investigating the Prevalent Challenges and Workplace Issues Faced by Critical Care Nurses in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region - Iraq

Section: Original Articles
Published
Jan 1, 2025
Pages
140-151

Abstract

Background: Critical care nurses encounter numerous challenges that impact their work-life balance and overall professional satisfaction. Understanding these challenges is essential to addressing staff retention and improving healthcare outcomes. This study investigates the difficulties and workplace issues faced by critical care nurses in Duhok City, Iraq.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to select 60 critical care nurses working in public hospitals in Duhok City. Data were collected from August 1 to September 1, 2024, through direct interviews using the "Challenges and Crisis Assessment Tool."Results: The study found that 95% of participants reported increased workload, 86.7% faced challenges with dealing with severe health conditions, and 71.7% reported unavailability of examination rooms and beds. A significant percentage also expressed fear of infection and a high sense of responsibility for medical supplies and equipment.Conclusions: The primary challenges identified were increased workload, fear of infection, inadequate resources, and the psychological stress of managing severe conditions. Addressing these challenges can help improve nurse retention and patient care.

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