Qualitative exploration of the challenges and the benefits of the nursing process in clinical practice: A study among registered nurses in a municipal hospital in Ghana

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to explore the challenges and benefits of using the nursing process in a Ghanaian Hospital.

Design: The study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore the challenges and the benefits of the utilization of the nursing process.

Methods: Twelve (12) Registered Nurses were recruited for the study using purposive sampling. Recorded in-depth interviews were conducted and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The study found a low nurse-to-patient ratio, inadequate knowledge, apathy, inadequate logistics, poor supervision as challenges. However, quality and cost-effective care improved nurse-patient relationships, and job satisfaction was found to be the benefits of nursing process use. Interventions to improve its utilization should be targeted towards improving the nurse-to-patient ratio, provision of adequate resources and inclusion of the nursing care plan in patient folders.

Keywords: Registered Nurse; challenges; clinical practice; nursing; nursing process.