Abstract
BackgroundThe articulation of the scope of practice in nursing is important to provide boundaries for registered nurses in which to practice. Registered nurses in Botswana have frequently experienced challenges and raised concerns with their scope of practice. Research related to registered nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding their scope of practice appears to be limited in the African context, particularly in Botswana.AimThe aim of this study was to develop guidelines for professional nurses to explore and describe registered nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding their scope of practice in Botswana.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed using a three-tier sampling approach to ensure a representative sample of various settings, health facilities and nurses. For the purpose of this article, the data from the qualitative component are reported. Thirty registered nurses, working in the public health sector in Botswana, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.FindingsData analysis revealed that registered nurses’ scope of their knowledge was lacking. Registered nurses’ attitudes were reflected in the adaptation process to expanded practice, as demonstrated through emotive aspects, adjustments to practice beyond scope and the learning of new skills considered beyond scope. Participants reported implementing many skills deemed beyond their scope, whilst their motive to do so included their experience of a lack of control over practice, lack of resources or they were doing so out of consideration for the patient. Guidance in terms of their scope was found to be inadequate.ConclusionAs in other resource-limited countries in Africa, registered nurses in Botswana experience challenges with their scope of practice. Inadequate boundaries may result in compromised nursing care and may have detrimental consequences for both the patient and the nurse.
Highlights
Nurses’ scope of practice outlines the boundaries in which registered nurses (RNs) are expected to practice (ICN 2014)
The three pre-determined categories related to knowledge, attitude and practice were complemented by an additional category, which was labelled ‘Guidelines
Attitude related to the Emotive aspects adaptation process of the scope of practice to an Adjusting to practice beyond scope expanded nursing practice Learning skills beyond one’s scope
Summary
Nurses’ scope of practice outlines the boundaries in which registered nurses (RNs) are expected to practice (ICN 2014). The articulation of the scope of practice in nursing is important to provide boundaries for registered nurses in which to practice. Registered nurses in Botswana have frequently experienced challenges and raised concerns with their scope of practice. Research related to registered nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding their scope of practice appears to be limited in the African context, in Botswana. The frustration of RNs with the lack of clarity concerning their scope of practice is further shaped by the historical context from which nursing in Botswana evolved (Miles et al 2007; SeleloKupe 1993). Registered nurses, at times, feel overwhelmed, not recognised and experience stress because of potential risks, which may contribute to their level of motivation and job satisfaction (Spies 2016; Spies et al 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
