Communication and socialisation (2): Perceptions of neophyte ITU nurses.

The socialisation of intensive therapy unit (ITU) nurses has been suggested previously by the author as a major contributing factor in influencing the manner in which nurses learn to communicate with their patients. In this study, the researcher interviewed six neophyte ITU nurses about their socialisation and communication experiences. The results suggest that the current mentoring practices in the ITU under study do not adequately prepare the neophytes to practice independently without them experiencing fear and anxiety in the ITU environment, and concern about their social inclusion into the ITU 'team'. In response to these fears and concerns, the neophytes develop coping strategies that actually reduce the amount of time spent with the patient, and therefore reduce the opportunities in which communication can occur. In learning to communicate with ITU patients, the nurses describe a pattern of observation, experimentation, and evaluation of different communication techniques that they systematically negotiate, before choosing which techniques suit both the nurse and the patients. Frustration with difficult communication and its management is perceived as problematic for the neophytes. It is suggested that an alternative mentorship programme is implemented that meets the individual needs of the neophytes and enhances their socialisation into the ITU subculture.