The self-efficacy of the critical care nurse: an evolutionary concept analysis

Introduction: Nurses working in the critical-care field are exposed to more risks related to their mental heath. Since its emergence in the 1970s, the concept of self-efficacy has been repeatedly linked to a positive impact on vulnerability to stress and performance. Although the literature is rich on this subject, few authors have looked at it from the perspective of critical care nurses’ self-efficacy.

Method: This article reports an analysis of the concept of self-efficacy among nursing resources in a critical care context using Rodgers’ evolutionary method.Results: A literature review using databases identified twenty-eight articles published between 2009 and 2023. This process highlighted several related antecedents: experience acquired through exposure to situations, knowledge, the feeling of being in control, and learning from peers. Attributes such as trust, subjectivity, a sense of control, and the critical nature of interventions were also identified. Finally, a number of personal and organizational consequences were identified.Discussion: This work contributes to the establishment of theoretical bases to guide interventions for selfefficacy promotion and development, to support nurses, patients, and critical care environments in general.