The development and implementation of a model to facilitate self-care of the professional nurses caring for critically ill patients

Objectives: This article aimed to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of the model's effectiveness to facilitate self-care of professional nurses caring for critically ill patients in ICUs. Methods: The methods of Chinn and Kramer, Walker and Avant were utilized to generate this model. The study included four steps to develop, implement and evaluate the model: Step 1 - concept analysis; Step 2 - placing the concept in relationship statements; Step 3 - description and evaluation of the model; and Step 4 - implementation and evaluation of the model. The implementation and evaluation of the model included two phases: a one-day workshop to present the model, and three months of model implementation. The study was conducted in a specific tertiary hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Twenty-five participants were identified amongst the five ICUs, and only eight participants accepted the invitation. Out of the eight participants, only six professional nurses working in different ICUs in the public sector were interviewed. Results: The model was divided into three stages: relationship, working, and termination; it comprised the primary and secondary contexts in which the facilitation of self-care occurs. The model process occurred in a spiral form. The registered nurses benefitted holistically from the three presenters at the workshop, and the social worker contributed to their emotional self-care activities. Three themes emerged: The model brought positive experiences, change, and self-awareness; the model benefitted the registered nurses holistically; role modeling self-care practices motivated and benefitted others. Conclusion: The model implementation assisted the registered nurses’ in developing self-awareness and resilience. They gained more knowledge regarding self-care, and the model encouraged them to implement improved self-care practices. They became role models of self-care and motivated their friends and families.