Anesthesia medication management competency in the post-anesthesia care unit: current challenges and strategies for enhancement—a qualitative study of nurses’ experiences

ObjectivesWith the continuous increase in surgical volume in China and the relative shortage of anesthesiologists, anesthesia nurses (ANs) play an increasingly critical role in perioperative care, particularly in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Competency in anesthesia medication management is essential for patient safety during recovery. However, the training and professional development of ANs in China remain underdeveloped, with no standardized certification or continuing education systems in place.AimThis study aimed to explore the current status, barriers, and potential pathways for improving anesthesia medication management competency among ANs in China.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected via purposive sampling from a tertiary hospital in Chongqing between November and December 2025. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method with NVivo 12.0. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and insights.ResultsAfter analyzing interview content, three main themes and nine subthemes were distilled: (1) Cognition and Value Orientation of Anesthetic Medication Mastery—ANs recognized the necessity of medication knowledge for patient safety but exhibited gaps in comprehensive understanding, particularly regarding less frequently used drugs; (2) Multidimensional Barriers Impeding Mastery—including fragmented training mechanisms, limited learning motivation and resources, inadequate organizational and policy support, and deficiencies in departmental management; and (3) Targeted Demands for Enhancement—ANs expressed a need for systematic training, standardized assessment, role clarification, and interprofessional collaboration, especially with anesthesiologists.ConclusionThe study highlights a significant disparity between the recognized importance of anesthesia medication management and the actual competency levels among ANs. Barriers are systemic, rooted in training fragmentation, limited resources, and unclear professional roles. To enhance medication management capacity, a structured, policy-supported approach is recommended, including standardized training programs, role specialization, interdisciplinary collaboration, and incentive-linked professional development. These measures are essential for advancing anesthesia nursing as a specialized discipline and ensuring patient safety in PACU settings.