Workplace Factors influencing Performance of Nurses: A Case of Nurses at Labour Wards in Dar es Salaam Regional Referral Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Nurses’ performance is critical because it has an immediate impact on health service delivery and ultimately on population health. Nursing and midwifery professions can transform the way health actions are organized and how health care is delivered if they are regulated and well supported. Despite rising global attention on health care delivery systems strengthening; there is a dearth of information on the reasons for inadequate nurses’ performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess workplace factors that influence nurses’ performance working at labour wards, in Dar es Salaam regional referral hospitals. Method: A qualitative case study design that applied descriptive approach was used to conduct this study between May and June, 2017 in Amana, Mwananyamala and Temeke regional referral hospitals. A purposive sample of 22 nurses was recruited. Data were collected through interview with key informants, by using a semi structured interview guide and recorded by audio tape, then transcribed verbatim, analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The study presented workplace factors in four categories; including availability, competence, productivity and responsiveness. Burnout, inadequate payment and irregular schedule of roster are factors influencing nurses’ absenteeism. Teamwork, motivation and information and communication are factors enhancing nurses’ responsiveness. Inadequate of staff, insufficient of medical supplies and drugs, poor working conditions and increased workload are factors affectng nurses’ productivity. Continuous Professional Development, Guidelines, Leadership characteristics and Supportive supervision are factors enhancing nurses’ competence. Conclusion: The workplace factors influencing nurses’ performance goes beyond the nurses’ desirability to provide services. This forced them not to meet the required standards. The government and other development partners should improve in resources availability and allocation; also should support and motivate nurses to improve their performance.