Abstract
Access to the intensive care unit (ICU) is often tortuous as there is a high incidence of bed closure due to staff shortage, a problem exacerbated by a high rate of turnover. It is proposed that the first step in addressing the problem is to explore the reasons why people leave, illuminating areas of policy and practice that would benefit from amendment. Given that the issues concerned are complex and contextual in nature, an open exploratory approach was adopted, whereby respondents were interviewed using open questions and given the freedom to shape their responses according to their perceptions of the problem. The transcripts of eleven interviews were analysed, with four themes emerging which represent the most dominant factors influencing the respondents' decision to leave. These included stresses related to the work; inadequate opportunity for professional development; recognition and respect of others and the implications of shift-work. It was concluded that there needs to be a greater awareness of the potential for nurses to become excessively stressed in the ICU environment; that a decentralized management style may help maintain motivation; that rostering systems need to retain flexibility; and that there is a requirement for greater incentives to pursue a career in intensive care.