Browsing by Author "Ndikwetepo, Monika Namupa"

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    The experiences of critical care nurses regarding staff shortage at a regional hospital in Namibia
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Ndikwetepo, Monika Namupa; Anthonie, Ramona; Van der Heever, Mariana; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nursing & Midwifery.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The global shortage of critical care nurses contributes to the high workload experienced by critical care nurses and the provision of quality patient care. As a result, critical care units are mostly staffed by less trained and more experienced critical care nurses. Herzberg’s two factor theory and concepts such as critical care units, critical care nurses and critical care patients were contained in the research framework that supported the study. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of critical care nurses regarding staff shortages at a regional hospital in Namibia. The objectives of the study were to explore staff shortages in the critical care unit such as:  Current staffing strategies  The experiences of critical care nurses regarding quality patient care  Ways to enhance staffing management in the critical care unit at the hospital A descriptive qualitative design was applied. A sample size of n=11 was drawn from a total population of N=18, using purposive sampling. A pilot interview was also completed using a semi-structured interview guide that was based on the objectives of the study. Trustworthiness was assured by adhering to Lincoln and Guba’s criteria of credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability. All ethical principles were met. Seven themes emerged from the data analysis, i.e. staffing strategies, critical care work environment, workforce planning and management, occupational health and safety, quality patient care, continuous professional development and job satisfaction. The findings of the study were congruent with Herzberg’s two factor theory in that hygiene factors such as staff shortages contributed to job dissatisfaction in the critical care unit. In addition, the critical care nurses related that they did not receive recognition for work completed under stressful conditions such as constant staff shortages and high workloads. It therefore appeared that the motivational factors, meaningful recognition and motivation derived from the work itself tend to be compromised due to staff shortages.