A qualitative study of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit nurses' experience of work flow: I enjoy the “flow” at work

Abstract

Objective To understand the work flow experience of nurses in departments of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit, and to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of nursing care and service level as well as nurses' occupational satisfaction. Methods Using the purposive sampling method, 22 nurses working in Emergency and Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan City from September to November 2024 were selected as survey respondents, and three rounds of interviews were conducted. Results A total of three themes and nine sub-themes were extracted, including the triggering modes of work flow experience (triggering, self-regulation), the influencing factors of work flow experience (nursing skills and work experience, working relationships, and teamwork patterns), and the positive effects of work flow experience (quality of nursing care and level of service, view of career development, career satisfaction, and work-life balance). Conclusion Nursing managers should create a favorable work environment and develop nurses' self-regulation skills to promote the Flow experience of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit nurses at work.