Constraints to Use of Nursing Process among Nurses in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated constraints to use of nursing process among nurses in a tertiary healthcare institution in South-South Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine whether excessive workloads, poor knowledge of nursing process, unavailability of material for documentation constrains use of nursing process among nurses. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The research population consisted of 406 nurses in the study setting during the period of study. 162 subjects were sampled using the simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire made of two (2) sections was used as the instrument for data collection; Section A contained items on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents while section B contained items amenable to the study variables. Data collection was done using direct delivery and retrieval method. Data analysis was done using simple frequency and percentage with the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23. Results revealed that excessive workloads, poor knowledge of nursing process, unavailability of material for documentation constrains utilization of nursing process among nurses. Based on the study findings, regular seminars/workshops on the concept of nursing process in hospital and other related health care institutions was recommended. The need for the education department of tertiary health care institutions to teach nursing process in hospitals as well as monitor how effectively nurses implement nursing process was also part of the recommendations.