THE DOMAIN OF NURSING: DEVELOPING PRACTICE THROUGH ACTION RESEARCH IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

ii In the intensive care unit (ICU) the bedside nurse is the person who carries out the fundamental care to sustain life and comfort for that patient and is the conduit between the patient, their family/whanau, the doctors and the multi disciplinary team. Nursing practice has an indelible impact on that patient’s life and future and for their family. This thesis presents a project on the reconnaissance phase of a future critical action research project. The project involved ICU nurses collectively defining their practice within the context of ICU and identifying aspects which needed development and change. As this was the first time that the nurses had met to define and discuss their practice it was essential for them to take this time in order to focus on the reconnaissance phase as this will guide and inform all future action. The study is informed by Habermas ’ Theory of Communicative Action which has an emancipatory focus. The action research approach enabled the nurses to reach mutual understanding of their practice and reach consensus on areas of practice they wish to develop to enhance their care of the patient