Afaya A, Bam V, Azongo TB, Afaya RA, Yakong VN, Kpodo GK, Kaba RA, Zinle DAN, Tayuu DK, Asantewaa S, Adatara P. "We are left with nothing to work with"; challenges of nurses working in the emergency unit at a secondary referral hospital: A descriptive qualitative study.
PLoS One 2021;
16:e0247062. [PMID:
33600464 PMCID:
PMC7891734 DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0247062]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
In recent times, there has been an increasing burden in traumatic, medical, and surgical emergency conditions, placing more emphasis on the need for quality emergency care. This study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by nurses working in the emergency unit of a secondary referral hospital.
METHODS
The study used an exploratory qualitative research design with a constructivist approach and a grounded theory method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews lasting between 30 to 45 minutes using a semi-structured interview guide. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse data.
RESULTS
Eleven (11) participants were interviewed. The majority were female (9), aged between 31-40 years. From the inductive content analysis, four themes emerged. These were; 1) overcrowding in the emergency unit, 2) understaffing at the emergency unit, 3) lack of emergency equipment, 4) inadequate managerial support.
CONCLUSION
The study identified several major challenges confronting nurses working in the emergency unit which are linked with managerial processes and inadequate managerial support. These challenges need to be addressed to promote quality emergency nursing care. To foster a positive working environment, hospital management should validate and address the aforementioned concerns of the Emergency Department nurses.
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