Challenges Faced by Nurses in Providing Care

This research project focuses on analyzing the main challenges faced by nurses while providing care to patients and determining the different skills required by nurses in performing their roles and responsibilities. The study aims to assess the health problems and the role of nurses in providing healthcare facilities and services to patients.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
1. Formulation of Research Question…………………………………………………3
Review of Literature………………………………………………………………….3-4
2. Pilot research project…………………………………………………………….…..4
Different methodology used in research…………………………………………...4
Different data collection method…………………………………………………….5
Discuss and carry out data collection………………………………………………5
3. Evaluation of research outcomes…………………………………………………..6
Evaluation and presentation of collected data……………………………………6-9
Results, Discussion and Conclusion……………………………………………….9
Critique on the research process and limitation of project………………………10-11
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………….11

1. FORMULATION OF RESEARCH QUESTION
It has been analysed that many health reacted problems are being faced within the society of
UK which includes obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, mental illness, AIDS, drug and
alcohol abuse, flu, high blood pressure etc. Beside this, it has been also analysed that a vital role
is being needed to be played by nurses to properly cure these diseases. It has been analysed that
the shortages of staff within the health care settings along with long working hours, that is also
because of shortages of staff is being continuously faced by the nurses. Thus, current study is
focused on analysing the main challenges faced by nurses while providing care to the patients
along with determining the different skills required by nurses in performing their roles and
responsibilities.
Research Aim
To assess the health problems and role of nurses in providing health care
facilities and services to the patients”
Research Objectives:
1. To study the different health related problems.
2. To analyse the role of nurses in administering health care facilities to the patients
suffering from different health issues.
3. To identify the various challenges faced by nurses while providing care to the
patients.
4. To determine different skills required by nurses in performing their roles and
responsibilities.
Research Questions
1. What are the different health related problems?
2. What is the role of nurses in administering health care facilities to the patients
suffering from different health issues?
3. What are the different challenges faced by nurses while providing care to the
patients?
4. Which are the different skills required by nurses in performing their roles and
responsibilities?
Review of Literature
1. Different Health Related Problems
As per the view point of Robert H. Shmerling, (2016), there are different kinds of
health concerns, which are on the increase among the people, including obesity, heart
diseases, diabetes, cancer, mental illness, AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, flu, high
blood pressure etc. (The most important health problems, 2016). Among all these
health problems, is the heart disease, which is regarded as most important and one of
the main causes of death in recent times and which consists of over a quarter of all
deaths yearly. Being overweight maximizes the chances of dying from type 2 diabetes,
sleep apnea, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer etc. Apart from this,
one can also suffer from dementia due to having diabetes, and can react to
medications, so also is renal failure and nutritional imbalances.
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2. Role of Nurses In Administering Health Care Facilities To The Patients
Suffering From Different Health Issues
As per the view point of Yolanda Smith, (2021), nurses play a very significant role
in providing care facilities to patients who are suffering from various health issues. The
main role of nurses is to advocate as well as care for patients, and support them with
their health and wellness. Apart from this, the other responsibilities of nurses which form
a part of nurses’ role includes recording the medical history of patients, collaborate with
teams in order to plan for patient care, advocate for the wellbeing of people, provide
medications and treatment, perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment,
educate patients regarding illness management and provide support to patients (Roles
of a Nurse, 2021). Throughout the process of treatment, nurses not only follow the
patients’ progress, but also act in the best interest of the patients.
3. Challenges Faced By Nurses While Providing Care To The Patients
As per the view point of Kelly Gooch, (2018), there are various challenges faced
by nurses in current complex healthcare environment. One of the challenges includes
staffing as this is because of shortages of staff within the health care settings, they are
not able to administer the care which they believe is required for patients. Another issue
that nurses are facing includes long working hours, and this is also because of
shortages of staff which requires them (the available nurses) to work for longer hours or
pick up extra shifts. This leads to fatigue of working for many hours, which can also lead
to medical errors (5 of the biggest issues nurses face today, 2018). Workplace hazards
is also another challenge that nurses face, and there are numerous workplace hazards
including injuries, exposure to pathogens, etc.
4. Different Skills Required By Nurses In Performing Their Roles And
Responsibilities
As per the view point of Michelle Davelaar, (2021), nurses require various skills for
performing their roles and responsibilities effectively. These skills include cultural
awareness, attention to detail, professionalism, time management, communication,
compassion, critical thinking etc. It is very much required for nurses to have good
communication skills as this will help in communicating the information regarding the
condition of patient to Health Care professionals. Apart from this, in order to stay
organised and finishing all the task timely, time management skill is very much required
(7 Nursing Skills, 2021).
2. PILOT RESEARCH PROJECT
Different Methodology Used In Research
The various forms of research method which are applied by an investigator to
carry out a study in a more effective manner consists of qualitative and quantitative form
of research. Out of these forms of research methodology, use of quantitative method
seemed more appropriate and suitable for current investigation. The reason behind
identifying and applying quantitative form of research method is based on the evidence
that it leads to more easy and efficient form of data collection in numeric terms, with the
help of making use of questionnaire. The use of quantitative method is appropriate as
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it leads to a better presentation and analysis of facts through making use of statistical
tools and various charts and table to ensure a specific and measurable set of results.
Apart from this, it has been also seen that collection of data under qualitative method,
through the use of interview is more complex, thus it is not appropriate and suitable for
current investigation. Furthermore, the application of positivism philosophy is made for
current research to have and to ensure a more systematic and practical form of
investigation. Along with this, utilisation of deductive approach also seemed appropriate
for current research and study as it ensures effective testing and scanning of numeric
and objective form of data. Beside this, the use of survey strategy of research is
justifiable and appropriate to ensure better collection of data in an easy and efficient
manner.
Different Data Collection Method
The different data collection method consists of primary and secondary sources of
data which leads to adequate gathering of information. Use of questionnaire is made as
data collection method for gathering information from primary sources which provides
the most authentic and first hand collection of data directly from the selected
participants. Systematic literature review would be applied as research method for
collection and analysis of secondary source of data which had been collected from past
articles and online journals.
Discuss and Carryout Data Collection
Collection of data for current investigation would have been made with the help of
questionnaire. A sample size of 10 participants have been selected from the nurses who
work in the medical and health care of UK with the help of random sampling method, to
collect a pathetic data on the selected topic with the help of following questionnaire:
Questionnaire
Q1) What are the different health related problems which are commonly seen
within an individual?
a) Physical Activity and Nutrition.
b) Overweight and Obesity.
c) Heart disease and stroke
d) Mental Health.
e) All of the above
Q2) Which point is reflecting the vital role of nurses in administering health care
facilities to the patients suffering from different health issues?
a) Manage physical needs
b) Observe and monitor the patient
c) Provide anticipatory guidance
d) Proper dietary, medications, and safety.
Q3) What are the possible challenges faced by nurses while providing care to the
patients?
a) Staff Shortages
b) Meeting Patient Expectations
c) Long Working Hours
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d) Bullying and Harassment
Q4) What are the different skills required by nurses in performing their roles and
responsibilities?
a) Cultural Awareness
b) Professionalism
c) Critical Thinking
d) Effective communication
3. EVALUATION OF RESEARCH OUTCOMES
Evaluation And Presentation Of Collected Data
Theme 1: Different Health Related Problems
Q1) What are the different health related problems which are
commonly seen within an individual?
Frequency
a) Physical Activity and Nutrition. 3
b) Overweight and Obesity. 1
c) Heart disease and stroke 3
d) Mental Health. 2
e) All of the above 1
Interpretation.
On the basis of above pie chart, it has been presented that 3 participants were
having a view point that Physical Activity and Nutrition is a commonly seen health
related problem whereas 1 opted for overweight and obesity. Apart from this, 3
respondents were having an opinion that heart diseases and stroke is a common health
problem while 2 were in favour of mental health along with 1 other who seemed in
favour of all of the above.
Theme 2: Vital Role of Nurses In Administering Health Care Facilities
Q2) Which point is reflecting the vital role of nurses in Frequency
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administering health care facilities to the patients suffering from
different health issues?
a) Manage physical needs 2
b) Observe and monitor the patients 1
c) Provide anticipatory guidance 3
d) Proper dietary, medications, and safety. 4
Interpretation.
It has been analysed that a very crucial and vital roles are played by nurses in
administering health care facilities to the patients suffering from different health issues
as they manage physical needs as per the opinion of 2 of the participants, whereas 1of
the participants favoured Observe and monitor the patients. Apart from this, 3 of the
participants supported Provide anticipatory guidance while the remaining 4 participants
opted for Proper dietary, medications, and safety as vital roles of nurses in
administering health care facilities to the patients suffering from different health issues.
Theme 3: Possible Challenges Faced By Nurses
Q3) What are the possible challenges faced by nurses while
providing care to the patients?
Frequency
a) Staff Shortages 2
b) Meeting Patient Expectations 3
c) Long Working Hours 1
d) Bullying and Harassment 4
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Interpretation
Staff shortages is seen as a possible challenge faced by nurses while providing
care to the patients as regards the view point of 2 respondents, whereas 3 of the
respondents supported Meeting patients’ expectations along with 1 other participant
who supported Long working hours whereas 4 of the respondents seemed to be in
favour of Bullying and harassment as possible challenges faced by nurses whilst
providing care to the patients.
Theme 4: Different Skills Required By Nurses.
Q4) What are the different skills required by nurses in
performing their roles and responsibilities?
Frequency
a) Cultural Awareness 1
b) Professionalism 3
c) Critical Thinking 2
d) Effective communication 4
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Interpretation
A discussion about the different skills required by nurses can be made from the
above drawn pie chart which consists of Cultural awareness as regards the opinion of 1
participant while 3 individuals were in support of Professionalism. Apart from this, it has
been also observed that 2 other participants were having a view point that Critical
thinking is a skill that is required by nurses in performing their roles and responsibilities
whereas 4 other participants supported effective communication.
Results, Discussion and Conclusion
With regards to the above provided analysis and interpretation, it has been found
that nurses play a very significant role in providing care to patients suffering from
various health issues. However, whilst carrying out their duties and providing care to
these patients, they are faced with different kinds of situations which are very
challenging in nature. These challenges include Long working hours, where these
nurses have to sometimes work additional hours or do extra shifts repeatedly. Shortage
of staff is another challenge they are faced with, and this happens when hospitals are
trying not to overspend their budgets, so in order to meet their budgets, they result to
cutting down on cost and saving money however they can, which also results to laying
off some staff and putting greater pressure on the fewer members of staff left who have
less support whilst working longer hours at busy times. Another challenge nurses face
is Meeting the expectations of patients. This occurs when there is budget and staff cuts
which results to these nurses not being able to meet the patients’ expectations thereby
putting strains on the few available nurses to take care of lots of patients. Nurses are
also facing the challenge of Bullying and harassment which has a huge effect that
affects nursing shortages not only in the health and social care industry but
also in our society. Bullying and harassment could possibly lead to high turnover
rates, which can result in staff shortages. According to a recent national survey by
the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, it suggested that 1 in 4 NHS staff
which is 25% had experienced bullying in the workplace which is specified as
harassment or abuse from their manager or colleagues. This percentage was gotten in
2014 and it represented a slight increase of 1% over the 2013 percentage levels.
There are also some skills needed by the nurses in their professional practice which
includes critical thinking skills, time management, effective communication etc. with all
these skills combined together, the nurses are able to carry out their roles or duties and
responsibility very well and effectively too.
Critique on the research process and limitation of project.
The current research process comprises of setting aim and objectives along with
systematic literature review. Further, a discussion about applied research methodology
is also made along with the evaluation and presentation of research findings.
Conducting systematic literature review is a positive aspect of current research projects
that facilitate better base and framework by the support from past findings, but selection
of only the quantitative method of research is a negative point as it leads to lack of
theoretical and in-depth information. Further, lack of time and resources is a key
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limitation of current project whereas maintaining the authenticity and privacy of collected
data is also a major concern related with the current project.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Wu, L.F., Tseng, H.C. and Liao, Y.C., 2016. Nurse education and willingness to provide
spiritual care. Nurse education today, 38, pp.36-41.
Adams, A.M.N., Mannix, T. and Harrington, A., 2017. Nurses' communication with
families in the intensive care unit–a literature review. Nursing in critical
care, 22(2), pp.70-80.
Xue, Y., Ye, Z., Brewer, C. and Spetz, J., 2016. Impact of state nurse practitioner
scope-of-practice regulation on health care delivery: Systematic review. Nursing
outlook, 64(1), pp.71-85.
Maier, C.B., Aiken, L.H. and Busse, R., 2017. Nurses in advanced roles in primary care:
Policy levers for implementation.
Halcomb, E., Stephens, M., Bryce, J., Foley, E. and Ashley, C., 2016. Nursing
competency standards in primary health care: an integrative review. Journal of
clinical nursing, 25(9-10), pp.1193-1205.
Flannery, L., Ramjan, L.M. and Peters, K., 2016. End-of-life decisions in the Intensive
Care Unit (ICU)–Exploring the experiences of ICU nurses and doctors–A critical
literature review. Australian Critical Care, 29(2), pp.97-103.
Online
The most important health problems, 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/important-health-problems-matter-
2016091510267 >
Roles of a Nurse, 2021. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.news-medical.net/health/Roles-of-a-Nurse.aspx>
5 of the biggest issues nurses face today, 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/5-of-the-biggest-issues-
nurses-face-todayjune15.html >
7 Nursing Skills, 2021. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.americanmobile.com/nursezone/career-development/7-nursing-
skills-you-cant-learn-in-a-classroom/>
International Journal of Nursing Sciencess Volume 3, Issue 2, June 2016, (Online)
Pages 213-222. Available through https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2016.04.010
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