Restriction lift date: 2027-12-31
Understanding nurses’ experiences of intuition, caring for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities: an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
Loading...
Files
Date
2024
Authors
Conway, Margaret
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background: Nursing intuition is acknowledged as a critical aspect of nursingvpractice. Within the intellectual disability setting, nursing intuition may be a valuable resource in situations where people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities often face communication challenges, which can make it difficult for nurses to obtain accurate information about their needs. However, intuition continues to be theorised and researched without having a recognised position within intellectual disability nursing practice.
Aim: The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of nurses’ experiences of intuition, caring for people with severe and profound intellectual disability (ID).
Methodology: A phenomenological hermeneutic research design was employed to illuminate the experience of intuition among a purposive sample of eight registered nurses working in residential and day services for people with severe and profound ID. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews which were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committees at University College Cork, and the Health Service Executive.
Findings: Three group experiential themes emerged from the data which were, “being present”, “utilising holistic knowledge” and “articulating intuition into being.” The unique personal experience of being present, characterised intellectual disability nursing intuition. Nurses engaged in transcendent nursing practice, and their intuition was a crucial aspect of this. The physical closeness of nurses to their
clients served as a pathway into intuitive presence. Nurses established a connection with individuals though their embodiment, which functioned as an early indicator of
client deterioration. The ability of nurses to be empathetic was based on their intuitive presence. Strategies such as reflective practice and continuing education were used to combine intuitive knowledge with professional knowledge to guide a holistic approach to the nursing care of people with severe and profound ID. A shortage of objective terminology hindered nurses in effectively documenting their
intuitive concerns, posing a barrier to the practice of nursing intuition. However nurses were found to foster intuitive practice among colleagues.
Conclusion and implications: The findings from this study suggest that nursing intuition exists as an essential form of nursing knowledge for participants caring for people with severe and profound ID. The implications are that nurses who rely on their intuition may be the only means by which their clients’ needs and preferences are understood, as well as identifying early signs of deterioration to prevent
complications, which is especially vital for this population. Therefore, the retention of nurses in front-line care is vital for establishing and nurturing therapeutic relationships, facilitating effective communication, providing person-centred care and preventing adverse events. The implications of the study also highlight the need to legitimise the intuitive aspects of intellectual disability nursing practice, elevating it as an integral component of professional nursing knowledge that contributes to improved client outcomes and enhanced overall quality of care.
Description
Keywords
Intellectual disability nursing , Nursing intuition
Citation
Conway, M. M. 2024. Understanding nurses’ experiences of intuition, caring for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities: an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). DN Thesis, University College Cork.