Implementation of Nursing Process at Kangundo and Kathiani Sub Counties Referral Hospitals in Machakos County

Abstract

Introduction: In evidence-based practice includes the use of the nursing process in patient care. However, evidence shows that many nurses do not regularly use it for various reasons. The status of NP use and the associated factors in Machakos sub-county hospitals remain unknown. The researcher set out to assess the performance of the nursing process by nurses in Kangundo and Kathiani sub-county hospitals in Machakos County and the factors influencing its implementation. Methodology: An Analytical cross-sectional study involving 79 nurses and two key informants from each hospital at Kathiani and Kangundo Level four hospitals was done. The participants were randomly selected from departments. A self-administered questionnaire and Key informant interviews were done. SPSS IBM Version23 was used to analyze quantitative data. All tests were significant at a 95% confidence level. Figures, tables, and narratives are used to present the findings. Qualitative data was presented in pros. Results: Sixty-three percent of the nurses (n=45) had drafted a NP a week before the study, while 35.7% (n=25) had not. Less than half of the nurses (47%,n=41) had developed care plans, but 35.7% (n=25) did implement them. Most nurses who drafted care plans ended up using them in patient care (Fisher's Exact Test P=0.000). The factors that (influenced NP use include significantly supervisory support (P=0.007), availability of resources (p=0.010), and the feeling that care plans are time wasters ((LR=8.717, df=2, p=0.013). Younger nurses were said to be more conversant with the nursing process but reluctant to employ it. The

county government of Machakos needs to employ more nurses to meet the standard nurse-to- patient. Implications: The facility management needs to ensure the availability of NP

material resources, ensure the continuation of continuous nursing education, workshops, and seminars, and motivation for nurses.