An evaluation of perceptions on the preparedness of professional nurses in terms of human resource development strategy for the transforming health care system in KwaZulu Natal Province
This is a study which aimed at evaluating perceptions on the preparedness of professional nurses in terms of the human resource development strategy for the transforming health care system in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The main concern was that the current professional (registered) nurses were not adequately prepared to participate effectively in a primary health care focused system. A descriptive survey was conducted in three (3) hospitals representing the urban, rural and metropolitan institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. Two sets of interview schedules were designed for the professional nurses and deputy directors (nursing service managers) in charge of institutions. A questionnaire was designed for the regional deputy directors of the three health regions where the study was conducted. The total sample comprised one hundred (100) professional nurses, three (3) Nursing Service Managers and three (3) Regional Deputy Directors. The study revealed that professional nurses were not all aware of the transformation in the health care system. It also revealed that professional nurses were not adequately prepared (trained) to participate effectively in the transforming health care system. The study further revealed that reorientation programmes are undertaken to enable professional nurses to adapt to the transformation but these are not widely available and are poorly coordinated. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that reorientation programmes should be undertaken on a wider scale to orientate staff on the transformation of the health care system and primary health care skills. Health service managers should also be reorientated on management skills to enable them to manage transforming health care services. A Transformation Adaptation Model has been developed to facilitate preparedness for the transformation.
Health care reform., Health care system -- KwaZulu-Natal, Professional nurses
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