Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to describe and explain novice nurses’ perceptions of their ability to provide care in acute situations and to identify factors that affect the ability to provide care.

Methods: Studies I and II are based upon interviews with novice nurses and are analyzed using a phenomenographic approach. Study III is a questionnaire development study which tests the psychometric properties of an instrument designed to evaluate nurses’ perceptions of their ability to provide care. Study IV is an exploratory cross-sectional study which investigates nurses’ perceived ability to provide care in acute situations. Data in this study was collected using an online survey and was analyzed using multivariate binary logistic regression.

Results: Novice nurses perceive situations as acute when something happens suddenly; time is insufficient; their own competence is perceived as inadequate; responsibilities feel overwhelming; organizational deficiencies arise and there are challenges in interpersonal relationships. The ability to provide care in acute situations is influenced by nursing education, support in the workplace, experience-based knowledge, and personality traits.

Conclusion: This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge of how newly graduated nurses manage in acute situations. Results suggest that acute situations are multifaceted and should not simply be defined as a deteriorating patient. Experience is imperative for developing competence in the ability to care in acute situations and experiences that are provided in nursing education and during the first year of working as a registered nurse are most significant. Results highlight the need to explore means of increasing exposure of nursing students and new graduates to acute situations.