Nurse Anesthetists' Perceptions of Learning Within the Profession—A Phenomenographic Study

PURPOSE: To identify registered nurse anesthetists' (RNA) perceptions of learning within the profession and to test the feasibility of the research questions and design. DESIGN: This was a qualitative empirical study with a phenomenographic approach. METHODS: Interviews with open-ended questions. FINDINGS: Four descriptive categories were identified: (1) practicing as a clinician, (2) developing comprehensive understanding, (3) developing situational awareness, and (4) trusting in own competence. These descriptive categories indicate the perceptions of conditions for professional learning. Experience, comprehensive understanding of the perioperative process and the patient's situation, and having the courage to trust in own competence were described as essential for learning as a professional RNA. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the feasibility of the research design and provided preliminary insights into RNAs' perceptions of professional learning. These findings may inform the implementation of a more comprehensive study, facilitate RNA learning in clinical settings, and provide insights into early RNA training.