Nursing for patients with MRSA in Australia

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] is a multi-resistant bacterium that causes suffering for patients, challenges in the treatment for the health-care workers, and increased costs for society. The rates of MRSA have been increasing dramatically in recent years. The Competency Standard for registred nurses [RNs] states that the RN has an obligation to provide equal care to all patients, no matter what condition they may have. The purpose of this study was to look into the RNs’ experiences in treating patients with MRSA. Six Australian RNs were interviewed using a semi-structured method, and the empirical material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results show how the RNs experienced their nursing as challenging, as they wanted to meet the patients on equal terms, while at the same time, they considered the precautions as time-consuming and therefore a difference was created in how the patients with MRSA were treated. However, the RNs genuinely endeavored to provide good care to their patients independent of their conditions. The conclusion was that experience is essential for the RNs feelings’ and that the RNs care when nursing patients with MRSA depend on aspects such as time pressure