Survey of neonatal nursing: Staffing, education, and equipment availability in Rwanda

Autor: Carole Kenner, Marina Boykova, Karen Walker, Geralyn Sue Prullage, Andre Ndayambaje, Fauste Uwingabire
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Neonatal Nursing. 28:192-199
ISSN: 1355-1841
Popis: Introduction Research studies have repeatedly shown that better educated nurses provide safer and higher quality care. In Rwanda, neonatal nursing is not recognized as a nursing specialty and there is no consistent approach in neonatal education or training of nurses who work with newborn infants. Purpose The purpose of the study was to describe existing neonatal nursing practices in Rwanda, specifically 1) orientation program content and orientation process; 2) nurses' education, skill levels and comfort with performing neonatal care; and 3) availability and use of medical equipment. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from October through November 2017. A convenience sample of nurses and midwives was used; nurses and midwifes working in Rwandan neonatal care units (NCUs) were invited to participate and complete a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Results A total of 99 participants representing all 47 Neonatal Care Units (including 2 neonatal Intensive care units-NICUs) in Rwanda completed the questionnaire. Seventy-six (76) were nurses, 19 were midwives, and 4 were nurse-midwives. A lack of consistency in orientation/training to the neonatal unit was evident with approximately 70% who felt that the orientation was not sufficient. Comfort level with skills depended on the type of procedure. Basic neonatal care procedures were reported as comfortable, however this level varied across the geographic regions. Some vital equipment was unavailable. For more than half the respondents there was no 24-h physician coverage available for back up. Discussion The findings of this exploratory descriptive study reveal that the majority of Rwandan nurses/midwifes had limited neonatal care experience. Orientation program content and duration varied across the country. Most included basic content but was not always sufficient when there was poor staffing or a lack of physician coverage. Procedures that were rarely performed were uncomfortable because there was no opportunity for practice. Competency demonstration not expected of most of the respondents. Conclusions There needs to be consistent education/training for neonatal nurses. Competency based education and practice performance should be developed. Further research needs to focus on staffing patterns, education/competencies of the nursing staff, and the direct impact on neonatal outcomes.
Databáze: OpenAIRE