Implementation of the Nursing Process in Naivasha District Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

The Nursing Process (NP) is a systematic rational method of planning and providing individualized quality Nursing Care (QNC). Training curricula for nurses and midwives in Kenya have incorporated the NP as a framework for nursing care. In addition, many institutions in Kenya have initiated continuous education to nurses on the nursing process. However, there are no studies indicating the level of utilization of this framework in Kenyan health institutions. This study was aimed at establishing the implementation of the NP in Naivasha District Hospital. This was a cross sectional study conducted on 83 nurses and midwives selected using quota sampling. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist was used to collect data then analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was used to establish correlation between variables. The nursing process has been initiated in Naivasha District Hospital but nurses use it in an incomplete and unsystematic manner. Nurses in this hospital have a positive attitude towards the NP but have difficulties performing all the phases of the NP.