Perceptions Of Professional Nurses Research Articles

Perceptions of professional nurses towards the inclusion of spiritual activities in oncology practice in the uMgungundlovu and eThekwini Health Districts, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A quantitative descriptive study.

Background: Internationally the inclusion of spiritual activities has been well adopted into nursing care. Spiritual activities could be used as one of the coping strategies for cancer patients in times of emotional distress. The South African perspective highlights a huge gap regarding incorporating spiritual activities into oncology practice. Due to popularity and frequent use, the need for identifying the perceptions of professional nurse’s regarding the inclusion of spiritual activities in oncology nursing practice was vital. Methods: The study followed a quantitative descriptive survey. Four health care institutions were purposively selected in the eThekwini and uMgungundlovu health district. Simple random selection of 89 participants that met the eligibility criteria was conducted. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data over a period of four weeks from 3rd January 2022 to 9th February 2022, followed by analysis using the SPSS, version 27. Results: The findings revealed that professional nurses agree that spiritual care can be provided by including various spiritual activities into oncology nursing practice. More than 80% of professional nurses believed in God. Activities like arranging visits by chaplains, showing kindness, cheerfulness, and reassurance were highly rated, exceeding 80%; however, activities like art and creativity were poorly rated, 32.6%. These findings are in line with the hypothesis of the researcher. Conclusion: This study produced empirical evidence that spiritual care can be provided by including various spiritual activities in oncology practice to promote comprehensive nursing care. A module on spirituality should be included in the new oncology program to boost the nurse’s levels of confidence in spiritual care. The study will enhance the nurses’ awareness and expertise in providing a range of activities.

The perceptions of professional nurses regarding factors affecting the provision of quality health care services at selected rural public clinics in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province.

BackgroundDespite many initiatives made by the National Department of Health through the Minister of Health, the provision of quality health care services remains a serious challenge in South Africa, especially in public rural clinics.AimThe study aims to determine the perceptions of professional nurses on the factors affecting the provision of quality health care services at selected public primary health care clinics in rural areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province.SettingThe study was conducted at selected public primary health care clinics in rural areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province.MethodsThis study utilised a quantitative method, descriptive and a cross-sectional study conducted for three months at the selected public primary health care clinics. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 155 professional nurses who met the selection criteria. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences programme version 26.0.ResultsThe results of 155 professional nurses were only 116 (74%) and reported that the use of modern technology such as electronic blood pressure, sonar machines and pulse reading computers improves the quality of health care services. Also 129 (84%), 124 (77%) and 118 (76%) reported that they were overwhelmed by the workload, the staff attitude and cleanliness of the clinic, respectively, which all affect the quality of health care services rendered. Moreover, only about 29 (19%) were satisfied with the salary they earned.ConclusionDespite the effort and interventions put in place by the Department of Health with regard to the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance in response to the current deficiencies in the quality of primary health care services and to lay a strong foundation for the implementation of National Health Insurance. The quality of health care services is still hindered by several factors such as an overwhelming workload, the attitude of the staff and cleanliness in the work environment, poor infrastructure and the professional nurses perceive the environment as lacking equipment.

The Perceptions of Professional Nurses Regarding the Performance of Cervical Cancer Screening, in Makhuduthamaga Sub-district, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Cervical cancer is regarded as the most common diagnosed type of cancer and resulting in high cancer related mortality amongst women. Cervical cancer related mortality rate is a serious challenge in Africa as compared to other countries, which needs a high collaborative approach amongst all health professionals. However, the higher incidence and death rate of cervical cancer implies that, high need of cervical cancer screening measures are necessary. 
 
 A qualitative, descriptive approach was conducted through focus group discussions to establish perceptions of professional nurses regarding the provision of cervical cancer screening services in clinics. Challenges regarding the provision of cervical cancer services in clinics were raised by professional nurses during interviews. Verbatim data was collected by using interview guides and analyzed using Tesch’s 8-step approach in the coding process. Perceptions such as cultural beliefs, lack of resources for conduction of cervical cancer screening and transportation of Pap smear specimens and results, inadequate provision of information and pap smear results to clients were raised by professional nurses as contributing to cervical cancer uptake. Lack of standardized cervical cancer screening training thus leading to professional nurses not being sure of their performance regarding the provision of cervical cancer screening services were also stated by participants as challenges influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening. However, lack of standardized training about cervical cancer screening was found to be affecting the performance on provision of cervical screening services. 
 
 A need for standardized cervical cancer screening training for all professional nurses is recommended.

Perceptions of professional nurses regarding the National Core Standards tool in tertiary hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal

BackgroundInternationally, healthcare providers share a common goal of providing safe and high-quality care to every patient. In South Africa, the National Core Standards (NCS) tool was introduced to improve the quality of healthcare delivery.ObjectivesThis article is aimed to determine the perceptions of nurses concerning the use of NCS as a tool to measure quality care delivery in tertiary hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.MethodThis was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, where a purposive sampling technique was used to select hospitals. Six strata of departments were selected using simple stratified sampling. In each stratum, every second ward was selected from the provided list of wards using a systematic random sampling. The population of professional nurses in selected departments was 3050, from which 437 participants were selected by systematic random sampling. The collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 25.ResultsThe study indicated that 53.5% respondents believed that the NCS tool allows them to identify areas of weakness, pointing to risks in basic human rights. However, only 49.7% respondents believed that the NCS tool allows staff inputs to identify relevant innovations. The study recommends improvement in the organisational climate and adoption of strategies that add value to patient care.ConclusionProfessional nurses perceived the NCS tool as a good tool for improving quality of healthcare delivery, but there is a need to improve environmental practice and involvement of all healthcare establishments to increase its effectiveness.

The perceptions of professional nurses on student mentorship in clinical areas: A study in Polokwane municipality hospitals, Limpopo province

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of professional nurses on student mentorship in clinical areas. A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research was conducted to determine the meaning of mentoring as perceived by professional nurses and to identify the successes and challenges encountered by professional nurses with regard to student mentorship during clinical practice.Data was collected using in-depth individual interviews to collect data from sixteen operational managers who were managing all unit activities, including student mentoring. Each interview lasted for ±45 min. A hermeneutic data analysis (hermeneutic circle) was used to analyse data. Four (4) themes and fourteen (14) sub-themes emerged from data collected from operational managers.The findings revealed that mentoring was perceived as a valuable tool to apply in the preparation of student nurses for future professional role. In the process of mentoring, the caring attitude is important. Factors that facilitated the mentoring process were good communication, time and available resources.

Perceptions of patient-centred care at public hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay

In South Africa, the quality of health care is directly related to the concept of patient-centred care and the enactment of the Batho Pele Principles and the Patients' Rights Charter. Reports in the media indicate that public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province are on the brink of collapse, with many patients being treated in condemned hospitals which lacked piped water, electricity and essential medical equipment. Receiving quality care, and principally patient-centred care, in the face of such challenges is unlikely and consequently leads to the following question: “Are patients receiving patient-centred care in public hospitals?”A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses regarding patient-centred care in public hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 40 purposively selected professional nurses working in public hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape Province. Interviews were analysed according to the method described by Tesch in Creswell (2009:192).Professional nurses perceive patient-centred care as an awareness of the importance of the patient's culture, involving the patient's family, incorporating values of love and respect, optimal communication in all facets of patient care and accountability to the patient. Factors which enable patient-centred care were a positive work environment for staff, nursing manager's demonstrating exemplary professional leadership, continuous in service education for staff and collaborative teamwork within the interdisciplinary team. Barriers to patient-centred care were a lack of adequate resources, increased administrative work due to fear of litigation and unprofessional behaviour of nursing staff.

Perceptions of Professional Nurses in Rural Hospitals of the Limpopo Province Regarding Nursing Care of Patients with Human immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

This was a qualitative study conducted in one regional and two district hospitals in the rural areas of the Limpopo Province. Its purpose was to explore and describe the perceptions of HIV/AIDS trained professional nurses regarding nursing care that is rendered to PLWHA in their own wards or units. Three rural hospitals of the Limpopo Province, one regional and two district hospitals participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the wards and professional nurses who participated in the study. A total of three focus group discussion were conducted, one at each hospital. Individual interviews were conducted with professional on what they consider to be good and proper nursing care for HIV positive patients. The participants were of the view that nursing care for HIV and AIDS patients should be non-discriminatory, following precautionary measures to protect patient, self and other, giving health education, support and counselling and maintain confidentiality. Knowledge of HIV and AIDS, respect for human dignity, trusting nurse-patient relationship, and confidence in the caring relationship were identified as the main contributory factors to giving good nursing care to HIV-positive patients. To improve the quality of care for PLWHA all nurses working in the wards should have advanced knowledge and skills in the care of HIV and AIDS patients.

Professional nurses as reflective clinical learning facilitators

With the rapid changes taking place in the country, including the education system in general and nursing education in particular, the role of professional nurses as reflective clinical learning facilitators need to be re-visited in order to meet the changing health needs of the community and to facilitate outcome-based nursing education and evidence-based quality nursing care. The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses as reflective clinical learning facilitators in the clinical learning units, within the context of a specific health-care service in Gauteng. A phenomenological method using descriptive naïve sketches was used to collect data from twenty professional nurses complying with certain inclusion criteria. A content analysis was performed and eight categories (main concepts) were identified in order of priority as follows: communication/collaboration; role-modelling; continuous assessment and evaluation; up-to-date knowledge; scientific approach; clinical teaching; management and professionalism. After a literature control was conducted, these main concepts were confirmed. It is recommended that a model to facilitate reflective thinking in clinical nursing education be developed, using these concepts as basis for the provisional conceptual framework.