Abstract

Purpose: To develop a profile bases on professional competences for nurses working in an intensive care unit. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological study providing data through interviews with nurses working in an intensive care unit. An analysis based on data triangulation was performed. Concepts, as developed by nurses, were obtained and grouped into the following classes: cross-sectional competences, generic competences and critical or key competences. A thesaurus of competences was developed, with a level score (1 to 4) being assigned to each one. Once the definitions for each competence have been established, a dictionary of behaviors is developed allowing the competence to be measured. Results: Overall, 31 concepts are identified and classified into cross-sectional, generic and critical competences, with 11 concepts corresponding to critical or key competences. Final results show an entry profile based on competences evaluation. Conclusion: Nurses evaluation based on competences allows objectivity, replicability, and continuous improvement in nursing care quality to be achieved.