Challenges encountered by professional nurses during supervision of care in Vhembe District hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Professional nurses have the responsibility of supervising the care that is rendered, the nursing personnel and patients throughout 24 hours of the day, for the purpose of ensuring quality patient care and patient safety. However, it seems that this is not happening as expected because there are continuous complaints from the patients about the poor quality of care. This study was aimed at exploring the challenges that are encountered by professional nurses during supervision of care in the district hospitals of Vhembe. A qualitative study was conducted which was explorative, descriptive, contextual and guided by an Appreciative inquiry approach. A purposive sample was used where thirty-six (36) participants were recruited and consent was obtained. Individual semi structured interviews were conducted. Data was analysed according to Tesch‟s eight steps. Trustworthiness was ensured through following the principles which are credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability and authenticity. The findings revealed multiple challenges that professional nurses encountered during supervision of care. The main themes found were lack of resources, challenges related to the supervisees, cultural changes in nursing affecting supervision, and challenges related to education and training. Apart from challenges, there were positive aspects verbalised that enhance supervision The researcher recommended that nursing practice through the Department of Health should address issues such as shortage of staff, shortage of equipment and inadequate and/or poor infrastructure. Professional nurses should be trained on diversity management and emotional intelligence in order address the ever changing culture in nursing. Students‟ accompaniment and clinical exposure should be addressed. Future research should be conducted to outline what causes these challenges in supervision in other districts so that the findings could be representable.