A Qualitative Study on Nurse Educators' Perceptions Regarding Challenges and Strategies of Nursing Education and Practice in Guyana and India

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perspectives of nurse educators regarding the challenges and strategies of nursing education and practice in Guyana and India. The study was a qualitative design that used a convenient and purposive sample of 15 Nurse educators (eight participants from Guyana and seven from India). Ethical permission was obtained to conduct this study from the appropriate IRBs in Guyana and India. The subjects were given prior information regarding the study's purpose, objectives and methodology. Each interview lasted between 30 and 45 minutes and was audiotaped. Audiotapes were subsequently transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analyzed using the R Computer Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA) software program. The grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis was used. The study's findings supported the literature that nurses were working in a low resource environment. The challenges of nursing education included lack of adequate and qualified faculty, inadequate teaching and learning resources, lack of conducive environment for learning, and inadequate curricular reviews. Additionally, lack of professional image, scope, autonomy and advocacy, poor salaries, limited opportunities for leadership roles at the policymaking level, inadequate clinical experiences, need for in-service education and maintaining professional standards were indicated as challenges of nursing practice. Addressing the shortage of human and material resources and upholding professional values and standards are the critical strategies. The data supported that the government policies, regulatory frameworks, and funding models that foster collaboration was pivotal in addressing nursing education and practice demands. The findings reiterated that quality education is one of the critical prerequisites for generating a quality nursing workforce.