Intuition in Iranian pediatric nurses: A cross sectional study

Intuition is one of the key factors in decision-making leading to timely recognition of problems and quality care.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of intuition and the factors influencing it in pediatric nurses.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 with 100 pediatric nurses working in hospitals of Bandar Abbas, Iran. Smith Intuition Instrument was used to collect data. Descriptive statistical methods, t-test, and analysis of variance were used for data analysis.

Most nurses (59%) demonstrated moderate use of intuition whereas the others (41%) showed high use of intuition. Nurses with less than 10 years of work experience and those working in pediatric intensive units scored significantly higher on the reassuring feelings subscale (P<0.001).

The pediatric nurses’ intuition was appropriate. Nurses are encouraged to confidently use their intuition without fear of blame in the difficult and sensitive situations of pediatric care.