Background: Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction that is difficult to detect at an early stage due to the general and unspecific nature of symptoms, as well as the co-existence of comorbidities. An early identification is crucial to ensure a timely initiation of sepsis-related treatment measures. The nurse is a part of a team, where theoretical core competencies are applied in practice in order to realise a more effective continuation of a patient’s chain of care.

Aim: The aim was to illustrate the nurse’s role in the detection of sepsis in the early chain of care.

Methods: This work is a general literature review. Ten original studies were selected and analysed by means of a thematic analysis.

Results: Three main categories were created: 1) The nurse’s input in case of sepsis, 2) Assessment in practice, 3) Working conditions within the early chain of care. These were then divided into subcategories.

Conclusions: The nurse’s role in detecting sepsis in the early chain of care benefits from theoretical knowledge and clinical experience. Clinical assessment is hindered by unspecific symptoms, comorbidities and the use of unsuitable assessment scales in the identification of organ dysfunction. A lack of time and a high patientflow compromises the nurse’s accuracy. The nurse’s role within a team can be optimally utilised when a sense of empowerment is stimulated, by increasing the number of nurse-authorised treatment measures as well as the inclusion of nurses’ clinical judgment in clinical decision-making processes.