Innovative approaches of neonatal intensive care nurses and affecting factors: A qualitative study

Neonatal intensive care units are one of the leading areas for innovation due to their patient profiles and working environment. For this reason, this study was carried out to evaluate the innovative approaches of neonatal intensive care nurses and the factors affecting it. The study group of the research, which was designed in a qualitative method and phenomenological pattern, consists of 25 nurses. A semi-structured interview form was used in the collection of data based on the expert opinion. Data were collected by online method, in the form of audio or video calls, between October 2021 and March 2022. The analysis of the data was made using the MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2022 program. In line with the statements of the nurses, the findings consist of four main themes, 10 sub-themes and 32 codes. Main themes 1) personal dynamics in the idea of innovation (attitude towards innovation in private life, resources used for a new idea), 2) organazitional factors in the idea of innovation (trust in the institution, manager's attitude towards the idea of innovation, sharing the idea of innovation with colleagues), 3) perspective on innovation in professional life (the effect of innovative approach on the nursing profession, innovation ideas) and 4) barriers to innovation (corporate barriers, individual barriers, barriers to the expression of ideas) are grouped under four main headings. It was found that nurses did not develop a new product or idea, had ideas to improve existing processes, and did not receive training in innovation. It has been revealed that nurses have a positive view of innovation, thinking that innovations will professionalize the profession and think that they will improve the image of the profession. It has been determined that the obstacles experienced by nurses in expressing their innovative ideas are communication problems, the fact that there is a physician-dominated environment, ideas are not valued. In order for nurses to develop a new product or idea, it is recommended to add innovation-related trainings to the curriculum, to create appropriate environments for nurses to express their ideas, to encourage and support nurses for innovations. KeyWords: İnnovation, innovative approach, newborn, nurse, qualitative study.