Abstract

The nursing process is fundamental to providing structured and effective patient care, yet the extent of nurses’ knowledge and utilization of this process can vary significantly. This study examines the knowledge and use of the nursing process among nurses in two major hospitals in Fako, Cameroon, to evaluate their understanding and application of this critical framework in clinical practice.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 20 nurses from two major hospitals in Fako. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed the nurses’ knowledge of the nursing process, including its components (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation), and their actual use of these components in daily practice. The questionnaire also explored factors influencing the effective implementation of the nursing process.

The results indicated that 70% of nurses demonstrated a good theoretical understanding of the nursing process, with a solid grasp of its components and their importance in patient care. However, only 50% of respondents consistently applied the nursing process in their clinical practice. The discrepancy between knowledge and application was attributed to several factors:

1. Time Constraints: 60% of nurses reported that heavy patient loads and administrative responsibilities limited their ability to fully implement the nursing process.

2. Lack of Resources: 55% of nurses indicated that inadequate resources and equipment affected their ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and implement care plans effectively.

3. Training and Education: 45% of nurses cited insufficient training and continuing education as barriers to consistent use of the nursing process. While initial training provided a good foundation, ongoing professional development opportunities were lacking.

4. Support and Supervision: 40% of respondents noted that limited support and supervision from hospital management impacted their ability to adhere to the nursing process. The lack of clear guidelines and feedback further hindered its implementation.

5. Work Environment: 35% of nurses mentioned that a challenging work environment, including high patient turnover and inadequate staffing, affected their ability to focus on the nursing process.

Despite these challenges, nurses who received more support and had better access to resources reported higher levels of adherence to the nursing process. Enhanced training programs and better resource allocation were also associated with more consistent use of the nursing process.

In conclusion, while nurses in Fako demonstrate a strong theoretical understanding of the nursing process, practical application is often limited by time constraints, inadequate resources, insufficient training, and lack of support. Addressing these barriers through improved training, resource management, and organizational support is essential for enhancing the use of the nursing process and ultimately improving patient care outcomes.

Keywords

Nursing process, Fako, Cameroon, nurses’ knowledge, clinical practice, assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, barriers to implementation.