The Art Is to Extubate, Not to Intubate-Swedish Registered Nurse Anesthetists' Experiences of the Process of Extubation After General Anesthesia.

PURPOSE

To describe Registered Nurse Anesthetists' (RNA's) experiences of the process of extubation of the endotracheal tube in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative design.

METHODS

This study was conducted in two hospitals with 20 RNAs in total. Data were generated from focus group interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze data.

FINDINGS

The RNAs' experiences were described within four categories and eight subcategories. The category To be a step ahead includes assessment and preparation, and To be on my toes, their ability to recognize patterns and build a connection. To use situation awareness relates to their use of experience and feelings, and To be alone in a critical moment, to feeling alone in the team and protecting the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The RNAs make decisions when to extubate by combining theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and intuition with the uniqueness of each patient.