The Challenges Of Nursing Care In Nigeria And The Way Forward

Project and Seminar Material for Nursing (Science)

Table of Content

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Objectives
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Chapter Two:

Literature Review

2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.1.1 Definition of Nursing Care
2.1.2 the Role of Nurses in Healthcare
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.2.1 Theories of Nursing Care
2.2.2 Application of Theories in the Nigerian Context
2.3 Empirical Review
2.3.1 Challenges in Nursing Care in Nigeria
2.3.2 Factors Affecting the Quality of Nursing Care
2.3.3 Previous Studies on Nursing Challenges in Nigeria
2.4 Gaps in Literature

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population and Sample
3.3 Data Sources
3.3.1 Secondary Data Collection Methods
3.3.2 Data Collection Tools (E.g., Reports, Journals, Articles)
3.4 Data Analysis Techniques
3.5 Ethical Considerations in Using Secondary Data

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Presentation of Secondary Data
4.3 Analysis of Findings
4.4 Discussion of Findings

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations

5.1 Summary of the Study
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations for Improving Nursing Care in Nigeria
5.3.1 Policy Recommendations
5.3.2 Recommendations for Healthcare Institutions
5.3.3 Recommendations for Nurses and Educators
References

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The practice of caring for the sick and their dependents predates other forms of employment. Traditional medicine, with indigenous wisdom, had shrines to showcase knowledge and skills (Ogunfemi, 2023). Patients were highly respected, and their families offered necessary assistance, both personal and non-personal care in traditional settings, with burial rites performed as death occurred. Western medicine began operating approximately 150 years ago, and treating patients with new technologies has become a function of paid labor within the community in the global world, including Nigeria. Conditions arising from socio-political, economic, cultural, religious, and geographic diversity across regions, tribes, and communities are influenced by different ethnic groups (Ahmady, 2023).

Empirical and scientific research on professional nursing practices within the theoretical frameworks of caring began in Nigeria around 1952, based on the colonial government’s efforts to reform and support native nurses to bridge human resource shortages arising from the departure of colonial officers to fight in the Second World War (FATUSI, 2023). This initiative led to the opening of the Trinity College of Medical Skills in Lagos to train professional nurses with Western formative and caring ethics. A decade later, this result led to the establishment of Obotebe Comprehensive Nursing School, founded by the Anglican Commission of Nigeria to train Community Nursing Practitioners in Otuoke, Bayelsa State. Other nurse training institutions would emerge four years after OCS, but the growth of NLN programs was immediate and rapid throughout Nigeria. Chief John Harris, an Anglican priest, and his elders, who were fully captivated by the strategic values of Western and Christian education in Northern Nigeria, founded Rehoboth College, the first modern middle school in Northern Nigeria in 1955 without plastering rights from colonial authorities. He was elected by his community as the pioneer chairman of the largest group of nurses at the time. In different years in various parts of Nigeria, the community of Christian churches formed the College of Nursing.(Ahmady, 2023)

Nurses are often referred to as the major determinants of the health care delivery system. Nursing care is the correct treatment and care for those in need or distress. Nursing has not been without some constraints and challenges, especially here in Nigeria (Badejo et al., 2020). The challenges facing nursing care include the fear of victimizing nurses when they complain about the problems they encounter, exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace, among others. Consequently, it is against this backdrop that this piece of work attempts to examine the challenges of nursing care in this population and the way forward.

It is well understood that nursing begins with humans and was earlier described as putting patients in the best condition for nature to act. Nurses are therefore responsible for providing nursing care to individuals in need. However, the fear of victimization among some nurses, nonconformity to professional norms and expectations despite the rule of law and justice, has continued to pose problems and obstacles in nursing homes (Yan et al.2024). Nursing is not without constraints and challenges, especially in Nigeria. It is important to note that many nursing challenges in Nigeria affect nursing care and nurses, including inadequate manpower, petty corruption, negative press, professional issues, and the refusal to reabsorb retired nurses, among others. When background information on nursing is provided, there is also a need for us to take time to examine nursing issues as they apply to the developed and developing worlds, with Nigeria as a case study.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Like most developing countries in the world, Nigerian nurses, and indeed all healthcare professionals, face a lot of challenges. There are country-specific challenges, but among Nigerian nurses, the topmost concern is inadequate staffing. This leads to the need for a heavy workload, bending over backwards to cover for the shortfall in personnel (Vanhooydonck et al.2021). Poor conditions of service, dilapidated infrastructure, cramped staff rooms, limited resources essential to quality care delivery, and educational and developmental challenges are all cogent factors militating against effective nursing care in Nigeria. These issues constitute nursing care challenges hampering the attitudes and other characteristics of caregivers in seeing to a holistic and healthy outcome for customers, patients, and clients alike (Stolz et al.2024). As it is often said, a skilled, healthy, motivated, and fairly catered-for health human resource equals quality health care delivery, and by implication, excellent customer service. Therefore, there is a need to act fast. Unless well handled, the future may be jeopardized.

Nursing education and training in Nigeria is also confronted with many challenges, evidenced by the many gaps in care delivery that affect service delivery. Even the National Health Policy has a long list of challenges confronting the nursing profession in Nigeria (Badejo et al., 2020). All the problems were meaningless independently when juxtaposed alongside the supplementary problems that make them relevant, especially as it concerns their effect on actual clinical practice and patient recovery. No wonder it was noted that many countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and some in Asia and Europe, are lower than the recommended level of health workers to ensure coverage with essential health services, while some countries will need something between additional nurses.

1.3 Research Objectives

To identify the key challenges faced by nurses in providing quality healthcare in Nigeria.
To assess the factors contributing to the inefficiency of nursing care in Nigeria.
To evaluate the impact of these challenges on the overall healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.
To propose feasible solutions and strategies to improve nursing care in Nigeria based on existing literature and secondary data.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the key challenges faced by nurses in providing quality healthcare in Nigeria?.
What are the factors contributing to the inefficiency of nursing care in Nigeria?.
What are the impact of these challenges on the overall healthcare delivery system in Nigeria?.
What are feasible solutions and strategies to improve nursing care in Nigeria based on existing literature and secondary data?.

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