Abstract:

Objective This study aims to analyze and clarify the conceptual content of clinical observation competency among critical care nurses in order to address the current issues of vague conceptual definitions and the lack of a unified framework. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed，Cochrane Library，CINAHL，Web of Science，Embase，ProQuest，CNKI，Wanfang and VIP Database for studies related to the clinical observation competence of critical care nurses. The search timeframe spanned from the establishment of each database up to 30 September 2025. The selection of literature was conducted in accordance with a predetermined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis was applied to code，extract，and synthesize the findings from the 34 included studies. Results The clinical observation competence of critical care nurses comprises five conceptual attributes：systematic critical care knowledge and skills，continuous dynamic perception and information collection，integration of holistic perspective and critical thinking，efficient communication interaction and collaboration，proactive reflection，summarization and learning awareness. These attributes are interrelated and collectively form a complete cognitive-practice process from perception and judgment to action and reflection. Antecedents include individual，organizational，and environmental and task factors，while consequences involve improved patient safety and outcomes，and enhanced professional efficiency development. Conclusion This study clarifies that the concept of clinical observation competence of critical care nurses is a multidimensional professional competency integrating knowledge，skills，thinking，behaviors，and reflection，thereby providing a theoretical foundation for developing assessment tools and constructing structured training programs. The results of this conceptual analysis are limited by the era and technology. In the future，they will need to be refined and validated further in conjunction with new technological applications，such as artificial intelligence.

Key words: Critical Care Nursing, Observation, Professional Competence, Rodgers’ Evolutionary Concept Analysis