Home Care Nurses' Experiences of Their Competencies: An Interview Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of the required competencies working in home care. Design: A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was used. Methods and Data Source: Eleven nurses from home care units in one wellbeing services county in Finland participated in the individual interviews between October and December 2022. The data were analysed with thematic analysis. Results: The analysis led to eight themes of competence requirements: Individual and holistic support for living at home in agreement with the client, Working in interaction and cooperation as a part of a multiprofessional network, Situational awareness, Technological skills in home care, Leadership and management, Continuous learning and development, Ethical competence, and Holistic client services in home care. Conclusion: The findings indicated that nurses in home care need to have wide knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work in home care. Implications of Profession: Changes in home care services in Finland and the number of home care clients with different diseases require continuous competence development. Impact: The findings provide information for both registered and licenced practical nurse education and competence development in home care units. Reporting Method: The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was used for reporting the study. No Patient or Public Contribution: Nurses in home care were involved in the interviews.