Competence, challenges and attitudes of bedside nurses caring for patients with left ventricular assist devices

Objectives: We aimed to describe the bedside registered nurses perceived competence, attitudes, and challenges surrounding the management of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and stepdown unit (SDU). Research methodology/design: An exploratory research was employed using a survey. Setting: Bedside participants were recruited via an electronic recruitment flyer circulated in online professional and social networking sites. Main outcome measures: Items consisted of a numeric rating scale, measuring competence and attitudes related to the management of patients with left ventricular assist devices. The one open-ended question asked the participants to write responses regarding challenges in left ventricular assist device care. Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative analytics software. Results: A total of 36 intensive care unit and 35 stepdown unit bedside nurse (n = 71) from six regions of the United States responded. Overall mean scores for competency and attitude domains were ≥ 7.0. Intensive care nurses scored higher in competence and attitude when compared to stepdown unit nurses care of short-term left ventricular assist devices. Competence and attitude were positively associated with years of experience. Five themes related to challenges in care were identified. Conclusion: Overall, bedside nurses had satisfactory competence and attitudes surrounding the care of hospitalised left ventricular assist device patients.