Meanings attributed by nurses to ensure the care of critical patients in the light of simulations' premises

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to identify the feelings experienced by nurses in caring the first visit to a critical patient. Background Understand the ethical aspects from the first experiences in the nursing profession lead us to reflect on the teaching–learning methodologies and also their improvements. Methods A study with a mixed and exploratory approach was realized with the nurses. Results From 72 (100.0%) nurses who participated in the study, 56 (77.8%) did their first visit to critical patients in the clinical practice and did not feel prepared. The feelings mentioned were as follows: insecurity due to lack of skill, risk both to the patient and also the professional, feelings of fear, anxiety, discomfort and related aspects to ethical competence. Conclusion The feelings experienced by professionals led us to reflect about the function of institutions, which must have the commitment and the responsibility of providing to the society able professionals who are acting safely and with technical and scientific expertise in valuing human integrity.