Perceptions of registered nurses on emotional needs and their role in meeting emotional needs of patients at Engela hospital, Ohangwena region, Namibia
Meeting emotional needs is considered a central component of nursing care. Nurses today are expected to meet emotional needs of patients. It is however not clear whether nurses perceive their role in meeting the emotional needs of patients rather than physical needs only. Therefore, the study titled: The perceptions of registered nurses on their role in meeting emotional needs of patients at Engela Hospital, Ohangwena region, Namibia” was conducted. The aim was to explore and describe the perceptions of registered nurses on their role in meeting emotional needs of patients at Engela Hospital, Ohangwena Region, in order to make recommendations for the reinforcement of emotional support for patients. In order to meet the aims and objectives, this study has used the qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design to determine the perceptions of registered nurses on their role in meeting the emotional needs of patients at Engela Hospital. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted at Engela hospital. Twenty (20) registered nurses employed at Engela hospital and purposively sampled, participated in this study. The interviews were conducted until data saturation. Interviews were recorded with audio-recorder and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed following the methodology provided by Botma et al (2010). The study identified four (4) themes and several sub-themes forming part of the findings of the study. The four identified themes were: Participants perceived different negative emotions during patient’s hospitalisation that needs to be met such as anger, anxiety, fear, stigma and depression. Participants perceived psycho-social and physical factors that contribute to patient’s emotions such as pain, diagnosis, isolation, relationships, and ii cultural and spiritual factors. Participant perceived their roles in meeting emotional needs such as reassuring, referring, counseling, rendering holistic care and allowing personal preferences. Finally, Participants perceived barriers to fulfill their role in meeting emotional needs of patients such as shortage of staff, lack of privacy and lack of freedom in patients they express their feelings. Therefore, the study concluded that registered nurses perceived their role in meeting patient’s emotional needs. However, the study has also identified barriers that affect the registered nurses from meeting the emotional needs of patients at Engela hospital. Finally, the study recommends supervision by management on emotional support by nurses, nurse educators emphasise on emotional care and further methodological sound research obtaining the views of both parties involved.
Emotional need, Nursing care, Ohangwena region
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