CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The nursing workforce in Nigeria plays a critical role in the country's healthcare system, serving as the backbone of patient care delivery. However, this essential sector faces a myriad of challenges that hinder its effectiveness and impact on public health. Examining these challenges is crucial for understanding the root causes and devising sustainable solutions to enhance the nursing workforce's capacity and resilience. Adebajo SO, et al. (2018).
One significant challenge is the persistent shortage of qualified nursing professionals in Nigeria. This shortage is exacerbated by factors such as inadequate training facilities, limited funding for nursing education programs, and a brain drain as skilled nurses seek better opportunities abroad. As a result, the existing nursing workforce is often overburdened, leading to burnout and compromised patient care quality.Ezenwaka U, et al. (2020).
In addition to staffing issues, the nursing workforce in Nigeria grapples with inadequate infrastructure and resources within healthcare facilities. Insufficient medical equipment, outdated technology, and poor working conditions contribute to a challenging environment for nurses. This not only affects their job satisfaction but also jeopardizes patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. Addressing these infrastructural deficiencies is imperative for creating a conducive work environment that fosters optimal nursing performance. Iloh GUP, et al. (2017).
Furthermore, the socio-economic status of nurses in Nigeria poses a significant challenge. Many nurses face low salaries, limited career advancement opportunities, and inadequate recognition for their contributions. This economic strain not only affects the well-being of individual nurses but also acts as a deterrent for prospective individuals considering nursing as a profession. A comprehensive examination of the socio-economic factors impacting the nursing workforce is crucial for developing strategies to attract, retain, and motivate qualified professionals. Ogunbanjo GA, et al. (2019).Top of FormBottom of Form
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The nursing workforce in Nigeria confronts a multifaceted array of challenges that significantly impact its ability to deliver optimal healthcare services. One prominent issue revolves around the persistent shortage of qualified nursing professionals, stemming from inadequate training facilities, limited funding for nursing education programs, and a continuous exodus of skilled nurses seeking better opportunities abroad. This shortage not only strains the existing workforce but also hampers the overall capacity of the healthcare system, compromising patient care quality and exacerbating the burden on the remaining nursing staff. Adebajo SO, et al. (2018).
In addition to the shortage of personnel, the nursing workforce in Nigeria contends with profound infrastructural deficiencies within healthcare facilities. Inadequate medical equipment, outdated technology, and suboptimal working conditions collectively contribute to a challenging environment for nurses. The lack of essential resources not only impedes the efficiency and effectiveness of nursing care but also poses significant risks to patient safety. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for fostering an environment where nurses can thrive professionally and deliver the high-quality care that is essential for the well-being of the Nigerian population. Ezenwaka U, et al. (2020).
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Examination of the challenges faced by the nursing workforce in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To analyze the key factors contributing to nurse job dissatisfaction and migration in Nigeria, with a focus on public primary healthcare centers.
- 2. To evaluate the impact of understaffing and heavy workloads on the quality of patient care and nurses' mental health in Nigerian hospitals.
- To develop practical recommendations for policymakers and healthcare institutions to improve nurses' working conditions, career prospects, and retention rates in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- 1. What are the specific socioeconomic, environmental, and workplace factors (e.g., salary, benefits, workload, career advancement opportunities, violence) that influence Nigerian nurses' decisions to migrate or leave the public primary healthcare sector?
- 2. How does the current level of understaffing in Nigerian hospitals affect the quality of patient care, nurses' job satisfaction, and their mental and physical well-being?
- What effective strategies have been implemented in other countries with similar challenges to retain and motivate their nursing workforce? Can these strategies be adapted and implemented successfully in the context of Nigeria's healthcare system?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant impact on the challenges faced and nursing workforce in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Nursing science sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Uyo metropolis. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
REFERENCES
Adebajo SO, et al. (2018). "Assessment of Nursing Workforce in Nigeria: A Country Report." International Journal of Africa NursingSciences, 9104-110. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2018.09.002
Ezenwaka U, et al. (2020). "Nursing Workforce Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Synthesis of Recent Evidence." International Journal of Nursing Studies, 102, 103479. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103479
Iloh GUP, et al. (2017). "Socioeconomic Status of Female Nurses in Nigeria: Implications for Workforce Development and Health Policies." Journal of Health and Social Sciences, 2(2), 183-194. DOI: 10.19204/2017/sd-2/15
