Sök artiklar i SveMed+

Tidskrift

Sammanfattning

Aim: To interpret continuous and episodic knowledge-seeking by nurses with limited experience in specific work situations. The following research question was posed: What characterizes knowledge-seeking practices of competent nurses? The article is based on findings from the Professional Learning in a Changing Society project, University of Oslo, Norway. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to gain insight into how nurses who are neither novices nor experts engage in processes of knowledge-seeking in a hospital environment. The data are from semi-structured in-depth interviews with nine nurses, their reporting logs, and a focus group interview with three of the nurses. Results: The analysis revealed that nurses carried out new and complex tasks only after careful consideration and planning. The nurses consulted manuals, books and other sources of knowledge, and also sought advice from experienced peers. The «why» questions deriving from workplace challenges also appeared to nourish more in-depth learning. Conclusions: The findings indicate the importance of retaining a flexible use of various knowledge sources including the use of research in order to capture the contingencies of everyday professional work.

MeSH