1.1 Introduction
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Professional Development is the means by which members of the profession maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise, and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives (Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia, 2016:4). For nurses and midwives to have the capacity to practice safely and competently while meeting the level of competence required by both the profession and the healthcare users, they need to engage in mandatory Nurses and Midwives Professional Development (Ingwu et al., 2019; Ross et al., 2013). Through such engagement, quality person and people-centered care make Universal Health Coverage (UHC) possible, particularly in Africa, where access to good quality healthcare services remains a considerable challenge and hinders the attainment of the SDGs (Hasumi, & Jacobsen, 2014).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Nurses and Midwives Professional Development Program (NMPDP) is a strategic learning activity based on educational and experiential training towards improvement in knowledge, proficiency and competence of professionals (Lucy, Johnson & Long, 2012). Banning & Stafford (2008) similarly considers NMPDP as a lifelong learning process for all persons or groups that is directed towards meeting the needs of individuals and to provide quality healthcare. Globally, healthcare domains are continuously progressing and improving through advancement in knowledge and skills which are essential for evidence-based practice and excellence in health care delivery (Banova, 2014). In addition, NMPDP structures and programs have evolved from being a single professional educational design and formal instructive method of training to educational models that are creative, vibrant, and learner's focused (Lawrence & Kathy, 2018).
In Nigeria, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, introduced the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Program in March 2010 with the aim of: promoting good leadership qualities managerial and organizational skills among nurses thereby enhancing preceptorship and mentorship as a tool for building a dynamic profession; to expose nurses to current development as well as new trends in health and nursing care; to sharpen the knowledge and skills of nurses on better ways of rendering qualitative, individualized, goal directed nursing care using the process approach; to constantly bring to the fore health issues and conditions that constitute serious health challenges to the individuals, families and communities at large; seek to correct significant deficiencies and weaknesses that militate against qualitative nursing care delivery in health care institutions and at community level and to be a requirement for participation in council's activities and assignments as well as nerve (N&MCN, 2012).
The establishment of the first formal nursing education, which is a school of nursing founded in 1949 and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), was founded along sides to ensure standards of nursing education. Since the establishment of the NMCN, there has been a marked transition in the nursing education (NMCN, 2016). This emergence and re-envision of nursing education from a vocation to a high standard of professionalism has led to the development of nurses with a broad educational background, scientific and technological advancement and increase literacy level to meet up with the changing roles of the nursing profession (Ayandiran et al., 2013). Nevertheless, there are still some issues such as acceptance of change, guidance and supervision as well as lack of mentoring, poor professional development and political influences on the educational system of Nigerian nurses.
Healthcare professionals are expected to take part in mandatory continuing professional development programs to enhance their proficiency in practice and delivery of quality care to patients (Lawrence & Kathy, 2018). For the nursing profession in both developed and developing countries, Continuing Professional Development Programs have been identified as an important strategy towards improving basic professional skills (Chong, 2013). Carey & Courtenay, (2007) similarly asserted that nurses' responsibilities at all levels of health care delivery are very essential because they give direct and individualized care to patients with diverse health conditions. These professional responsibilities require them to develop interest in life-long continuing professional activities. Similarly, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of Ethics stressed that nurses carry personal responsibility and accountability for nursing practice, and for maintaining competence by continual learning (ICN, 2012).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the role of the national association of Nigeria nurses and midwives in advancing professional growth in Nursing.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that for nurses and midwives to have the capacity to practice safely and competently while meeting the level of competence required by both the profession and the healthcare users, they need to engage in mandatory Nurses and Midwives Professional Development (Ingwu et al., 2019; Ross et al., 2013). Through such engagement, quality person and people-centered care make Universal Health Coverage (UHC) possible, particularly in Africa, where access to good quality healthcare services remains a considerable challenge and hinders the attainment of the SDGs (Hasumi, & Jacobsen, 2014).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the role of the national association of Nigeria nurses and midwives in advancing professional growth in Nursing. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the roles of nurses and midwives professionals toward Nigerian national development;
- To explain the concept of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Professional Development of Nursing in Nigeria;
- To investigate the factors inhibiting the roles of National Association of Nigeria towards Nurses and Midwives; and
- To proffer solution the above stated challenges militating the National Association of Nigeria of Nurses and Midwives.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there factors inhibiting the roles of National Association of Nigeria towards Nurses and Midwives?
- What are the roles of nurses and midwives professionals toward Nigerian national development?
- What is the concept of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Professional Development of Nursing in Nigeria?
- What are the possible solutions towards eliminating the challenges militating the contribution of National Association of Nigeria of Nurses and Midwives?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There are no significant factors inhibiting the roles of National Association of Nigeria towards Nurses and Midwives
- H1: There are significant factors inhibiting the roles of National Association of Nigeria towards Nurses and Midwives
1.7 Significance of Study
The study provides insights into how the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) plays a pivotal role in advancing the education and skills of nurses and midwives in Nigeria. Also, the research underscores NANNM's efforts in policy advocacy and shaping health policies that impact the nursing profession.
Additionally, the study will shed light on how NANNM fosters a sense of professional identity and community among nurses and midwives. This aspect is crucial for the morale, motivation, and cohesion of healthcare professionals, which, in turn, can lead to improved patient care and outcomes.
Furthermore, the findings of this research will be of immense benefit to Nurses, Midwives and researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the role of the national association of Nigeria nurses and midwives in advancing professional growth in Nursing.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM):
It is the professional organization representing the interests of nurses and midwives in Nigeria. It aims to promote and advocate for the welfare, education, and professional development of its members.
Professional Development:
Activities and programs designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of professionals, enabling them to advance their careers and improve their job performance.
Nursing Education:
The formal learning and training process by which individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to practice nursing. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programs, as well as continuing education courses.
Continuing Education:
It is an ongoing learning activity that professionals engage in after their initial certification or degree to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge. This is often a requirement for maintaining professional licensure.
Policy Advocacy:
It refers to the actions taken by individuals or organizations to influence public policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems. in the context of NANNM, this involves lobbying for policies that benefit nurses and midwives.
Healthcare Delivery:
The provision of health services to individuals or communities. This encompasses a wide range of services, from preventive care and health promotion to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Midwifery:
It is the health profession that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period (including care of the newborn), as well as the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives.
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