How do Tanzanian hospital nurses perceive their professional role? A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: To describe the experiences of Tanzanian nurses, how they perceive their role as a professional nurse and their experience with nursing care in a general hospital. Design: This study is explorative, descriptive and qualitative. Methods: The data were collected in 2015 by means of 10 semi-structured interviews and was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The data analysis revealed two themes with corresponding sub-themes related to Tanzanian nurses' perception with their professional role and experiences with nursing care: (1) Feeling professional pride; (2) Experiencing limitations and inadequacy. The findings indicate that the Tanzanian nurses possess a strong professional pride and commitment to serve and care for their patients. The nurses do their best to provide high -quality nursing care but are faced with staffing shortages and limited materials that are beyond their control. Such limitations leave them feeling unable to fulfil their role and responsibilities.