The global shortage of nurses is a significant issue, with Finland alone experiencing a shortage of 17,000 nurses. In order to retain nurses in the healthcare, orientation programs should be effective, particularly for new registered nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic increased digitalization in the healthcare sector and e-learning environments are present-day applications in learning methods. Research indicates that combining face-to-face orientation and e-learning methods, enhances nurses’ competencies and know-how. However, there is a limited amount of research on e-learning in intensive care environments.

The research method used was a scoping review. The research material comprised nine scientific texts from outside Europe, including five from the United States and one each from Iran, Australia, Brazil, and Canada. The research timeline was 15 years, from 2008 to 2023 and the material was sourced from five databases. The selected material was evaluated with Joanna Briggs Institute’s criteria.

The research question was: What are the themes covered in the e-learning environment for the nurse's orientation learning pathway to intensive care? The study identified three main themes: Building confidence in one’s work, improving competencies through clinical information, and enhancing critical thinking by combining earlier information from nursing. The main themes of the research led to the conclusion that the competence of intensive care can be gradually improved.