International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Nurses’ experiences of barriers and strategies to the management of Patients’ postoperative pain in hospitals in Northern Ghana","authors":"Emmanuel Ajudiok Anaapeesa ,&nbsp;Bernard Atinyagrika Adugbire ,&nbsp;Millicent Aarah-Bapuah","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The paper describes nurses’ experiences of barriers and strategies to the management of patients’ postoperative pain in a hospital in Northern Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The study employed an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach to provide a thorough experience of nurses concerning barriers and strategies to effectively manage postoperative pain. The study included registered nurses and midwives with the requisite experience of managing postoperative patient pain. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit the participants, with a sample size of fourteen based on data saturation. The data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study identified two main themes 1. Barriers to postoperative pain management with corresponding subthemes being nurses’ related barriers to postoperative pain management, patients’ related barriers to postoperative pain management, and Institutional related barriers to postoperative pain management. 2. Strategies to effective postoperative pain management, with the subthemes being increased capacity and motivation of nurses and midwives, pharmacological and nonpharmacological nursing management of postoperative pain.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concludes that though there are barriers to effective patients’ postoperative pain management, nurses and midwives have an understanding of postoperative pain and employ both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for its management. However, nurses and midwives need to be motivated to increase their capacity in managing patient postoperative pain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147547368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond the classroom: investigating the ‘unseen curriculum’ and a proposed holistic student success framework for nursing education","authors":"Xolani L. Mhlongo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101070","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101070","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The academic performance of student nurses is often attributed to pedagogical quality and institutional support, a perspective that can overlook the profound impact of students’ personal lifestyles and environmental circumstances. This article aims to analyse the components of this ’unseen curriculum’ by investigating how non-academic factors including career motivation, socio-economic pressures, and lifestyle choices affect performance in the high-stakes Biological Nursing Science module. Drawing on data collected through a self-administered Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to participants during their free periods to avoid academic disruption, in a quantitative descriptive study of 114 (n = 114) second-year nursing students in South Africa, this analysis revealed a significant motivation deficit: 57% of students did not initially intend to study nursing, with 62% of this group citing financial challenges as their primary reason for enrolment. Furthermore, a majority acknowledged that personal problems impact their performance (51.8%) and perceived first-year alcohol consumption as high (57%). These findings suggest that an unseen curriculum, shaped by financial necessity, extrinsic motivation, and potential maladaptive coping, significantly hinders student success. The article concludes by proposing the Holistic Student Success Framework, a multi-level strategy for incorporating wellness support, structural reform, and motivational development to improve academic outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101070"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147703236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"South African student nurses’ experiences of preparedness in delivering ethically competent care","authors":"Zizipho Nomqonde ,&nbsp;Charlene Downing","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Student nurses must be thoroughly prepared to assume professional responsibilities. By the time they complete their studies, they should possess a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the personal qualities essential for ethical and professional behaviour. These traits are crucial for delivering competent nursing care in real-world clinical settings. As ethical challenges in clinical practice increase, developing ethical competence in student nurses becomes crucial. This preparation will equip student nurses with the demands of their future roles and help uphold high standards of care in diverse clinical environments.</div></div><div><h3>Research purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to explore South African student nurses’ experiences of being prepared to deliver ethically competent care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a descriptive, qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit second, third and fourth-year student nurses. Data was collected through focus groups, case studies, and field notes. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed several challenges in the delivery of ethically competent care among student nurses. Participants reported that ethically competent care was often neglected in the clinical environment, highlighting a need to return to fundamental nursing principles. They also described the difficulty of navigating ethical dilemmas, particularly when balancing patient rights with practical constraints. Furthermore, discrepancies were noted between the theoretical knowledge gained during training and its practical application in clinical settings, suggesting a gap between learning and practice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study explored student nurses’ preparedness to deliver ethically competent care. The findings highlight significant challenges in clinical settings and emphasise the need for strategies to address ethical issues. Recommendations include creating a supportive learning environment, assisting students in speaking up during dilemmas, promoting ethical awareness before clinical exposure, boosting morale, using diverse teaching methods, role-modelling ethical care, fostering collaboration between practice and academia, and encouraging student participation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100939"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Practice of evidence-based intrapartum care and its determinants in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia","authors":"Nigatu Tilahun ,&nbsp;Berhan Tsegaye ,&nbsp;Yitateku Alelign ,&nbsp;Muluken Demeke ,&nbsp;Mesay Milkias ,&nbsp;Ashenafi Assefa ,&nbsp;Worku Getachew ,&nbsp;Zerihun Figa ,&nbsp;Medhanit Woldesenbet ,&nbsp;Anteneh Gashaw","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Evidence-based intrapartum practice involves using the best available research to guide clinical decisions during labor and delivery, from the onset of true labor until one to two hours after the placenta is delivered. This approach aims to enhance the quality of obstetric care by ensuring that the interventions and care strategies used are backed by solid scientific evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to assess the extent to which evidence-based care is practiced and its associated factors among obstetric care providers in the public health facilities of the Gedeo zone in 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 23 to August 23, 2023 among 361 obstetric care providers by using census method in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist adapted from the World Health Organization. The study included all obstetric care providers in public health facilities. The collected data and coding were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify associated factors, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The results were presented using text, tables, and graphs.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>The study included 349 participants with a response rate of 97%. The prevalence of evidence-based intrapartum care practices was 45% (95% CI: 40.9, 50.6). Several factors were positively associated with these practices: in-service training related to intrapartum practice (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.095–5.155), having good knowledge of intrapartum care (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.086–2.910), access to intrapartum guidelines (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.557–4.525), and public hospitals (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.887–6.015) were factors positively associated with evidence-based intrapartum care practices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The magnitude of evidence-based intrapartum practice was lower than WHO recommendations. The findings highlight a need for continuous professional training and the optimization of staffing to ensure providers are dedicated to intrapartum care without competing duties. Furthermore, the results suggest that improving workplace access to updated clinical guidelines is critical for aligning practice with evidence-based standards and enhancing the quality of obstetric care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101000"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing the evolution of the advanced practice nurse role: Insights from Switzerland and Kenya","authors":"Carole Mackavey ,&nbsp;Sara Kohler ,&nbsp;Eunice Ndirangu-Mugo ,&nbsp;Rachel W. Kimani ,&nbsp;Constance S. Shumba ,&nbsp;Benard Daniel Mutwiri ,&nbsp;Colette Henderson ,&nbsp;Anna Jones","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The article explores the evolution of Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) roles in Switzerland and Kenya, highlighting their development, challenges, and influence on healthcare delivery. Despite notable differences in income levels and healthcare infrastructure, both countries are committed to strengthening primary care through the deployment of APNs. Switzerland uses APNs to address provider shortages and improve chronic disease management, whereas Kenya uses them to increase access in underserved areas.</div><div>A comparative analysis explores how regulatory frameworks, educational models, scope of practice, and health system priorities influence the adoption of advanced practice nursing (APN). Switzerland’s established healthcare system supports the integration of APNs, whereas Kenya faces distinct challenges, including workforce shortages and limited public awareness. Despite economic differences, both countries face similar challenges, including regulatory hurdles and cultural barriers.</div><div>The study uses policy documents, regulatory guidelines, and academic literature to analyze key factors, including educational pathways, licensure, prescriptive authority, and healthcare integration. Findings emphasize the importance of strong regulatory frameworks, standardized education, and cultural competence in maximizing the effectiveness of APNs. Embedding Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in primary care can help reduce healthcare disparities, improve access, and improve patient outcomes.</div><div>International collaboration is vital for advancing APN development globally. By exchanging insights and best practices, countries can enhance APN education and deployment strategies to address global healthcare challenges, ultimately improving primary care systems and healthcare delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100999"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preoperative anxiety and coping strategies among adult surgical patients at St. Martins De Porres Hospital, Eikwe","authors":"Stephen Aboagye ,&nbsp;Betty Araba Pearce ,&nbsp;Desmond Kofi Ntem ,&nbsp;Esther Amoah ,&nbsp;Riddick Michael Adjei ,&nbsp;Andrew Adjei Druye","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preoperative anxiety is common among surgical patients and has significant implications for recovery, including increased postoperative complications, longer hospital stays, and reduced patient satisfaction. In Ghana and similar low- and middle-income countries, little is known about patients’ preoperative experiences and coping mechanisms. This study explored the lived experiences of preoperative anxiety and coping strategies employed by adult surgical patients at St. Martin’s De Porres Hospital, Eikwe, Ghana.</div><div>A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was adopted for this study, with 15 adult surgical patients comprising of 12 females and 3 males within the ages of 19–54 years<strong>.</strong> These participants were sampled purposiv<strong>e</strong>ly and recruited within four weeks after their surgery. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and analyzed thematically using Colaizzi’s seven-step framework with NVivo 12.</div><div>Three overarching themes were identified: manifestations of preoperative anxiety, characterized by fear, sadness, sleep disturbances, and restlessness; triggers of anxiety, including concerns about postoperative pain, fear of complications or death, and lack of prior surgical experience; forms of preparation, comprising physical, physiological, and psychological preparation; and coping strategies, which encompassed problem-focused approaches (hope and faith), emotion-focused strategies (music therapy), and person–environment interactions through family support.</div><div>The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to recognize preoperative anxiety as a critical component of surgical care. Strengthening psychosocial and spiritual support, alongside clinical interventions, may improve patient outcomes and overall surgical experiences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101023"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147419747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The correlation between leadership style and adversity quotient among women managers in the health sector in Morocco","authors":"Sahar Bouadel ,&nbsp;Sakhr Ahizoune ,&nbsp;Kenza Hassouni","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To describe the correlation of leadership styles and adversity quotient among women managers in the Moroccan healthcare sector.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Correlational descriptive study. The descriptive method was used to determine the leadership styles of women healthcare managers (n = 40), their adversity quotient along the four CORE dimensions: Control, Ownership, Reach and Endurance. The correlational method was used to determine the significance of the relationship between adversity quotient and leadership styles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study showed that women managers adopt a transformational leadership style rather than a transactional one. Women managers focus on motivating their staff to achieve organizational goals.</div><div>The study of the adversity quotient in women managers enabled us to specify the level of each dimension of the CORE and consequently the level of the overall adversity quotient. A low level is determined for women managers in relation to the 3 dimensions of control, ownership and endurance, with consecutive scores of 15, 16 and 19.4. A high level of the scope dimension is illustrated by a score of 40. Finally, an average level of the overall adversity quotient score is determined by a score of 90.4.</div><div>The correlation analysis identified two strong significant correlations between the transactional leadership of women managers and the two CORE dimensions of control and ownership, and a correlation between the reach dimension and the idealized influence-behavior scale of the transformational leadership of women managers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Women managers need to be made aware of their leadership style in order to improve their adversity quotient.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101015"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring nurses’ resilience and caregiving experiences in juvenile correctional facilities: A qualitative study","authors":"Hardiyati ,&nbsp;Iyus Yosep ,&nbsp;Meita Dhamayanti ,&nbsp;Veranita Pandia","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background &amp; aim</h3><div>Nurses working in juvenile correctional facilities face complex emotional, behavioural, and institutional challenges as they support adolescents in conflict with the law. Resilience is essential for sustaining therapeutic engagement and professional functioning in these high-stress environments, yet little is known about how correctional nurses in Southeast Asia develop and maintain resilience. This study explored the lived experiences of nurses working in juvenile correctional facilities in Indonesia to identify the core dimensions of resilience that shape caregiving practice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was used. Ten nurses from two juvenile correctional facilities (LPKA Maros and Mamuju) participated in semi-structured interviews conducted between January and April 2025. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, supported by member checking, peer debriefing, and NVivo 12. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five interrelated themes emerged: (1) emotional regulation, (2) impulse control, (3) causal analysis and problem-solving, (4) empathy, and (5) self-efficacy. These themes illustrate resilience as a dynamic emotional, cognitive, and relational process that enables nurses to manage stress, maintain professional boundaries, and provide stabilising therapeutic guidance to adolescents. The findings extend existing resilience theory by demonstrating how resilience is shaped not only by individual capacity but also by the demands and constraints of correctional settings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study offers a resilience-based framework with practical relevance for correctional nursing in low-resource settings, including Southeast Asia and Africa. Integrating resilience training, reflective supervision, and organisational support may strengthen nurse well-being and enhance the quality of adolescent rehabilitation services. Further research is recommended to validate these dimensions across diverse correctional contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101033"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Instruction in Advancing Nursing Proficiency within Continuing Professional Development: systematic Review","authors":"Samer H. Sharkiya,&nbsp;Ohana Irit","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Simulation-based instruction has become a central strategy in nursing education for strengthening clinical judgment, technical skills, and decision-making. While its effectiveness is well established in undergraduate training, less is known about its impact on post-registration nurses engaged in continuing professional development. Advancing nursing proficiency—defined as the enhancement of knowledge, psychomotor skills, confidence, leadership attributes, and teamwork performance—is essential for maintaining high-quality patient care in rapidly evolving clinical environments.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This rapid review examined the effectiveness of simulation-based instruction in advancing nursing proficiency within the context of continuing professional development.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for quantitative studies published between 2000 and 2023. Eligible studies included post-registration nurses exposed to simulation-based instructional interventions. The TAPUPAS tool guided quality appraisal, and only studies scoring ≥65 % were included. Given methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively following PRISMA guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fourteen studies involving 1,204 nurses met inclusion criteria. Simulation-based instruction consistently improved knowledge and clinical skills across diverse specialties (e.g., critical care, NICU, emergency, geriatric care). Evidence for affective and behavioral outcomes—including confidence, self-efficacy, teamwork, and leadership—was mixed, largely due to limited study numbers and variations in simulation design, fidelity, and scenario emphasis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Simulation-based instruction is effective in strengthening key domains of nursing proficiency within continuing professional development. Tailoring simulation scenarios to the targeted competency domain may optimize outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Relevance to clinical practice</h3><div>Policymakers and educators should integrate structured simulation programs into ongoing professional development and support further research to refine best practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100984"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving postoperative nursing care in an International Committee of the Red Cross supported hospital in Nigeria: A qualitative study","authors":"Ingrid Tjoflåt ,&nbsp;Bodil Bø ,&nbsp;Hilda Bø Lyng ,&nbsp;Filippo Gatti","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) started a surgical project in a hospital in northeast Nigeria in 2015. The project aimed to provide life- and limb-saving surgery to internally displaced people or direct victims of ongoing violence.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To develop knowledge on how nursing teams work to maintain and improve quality postoperative nursing care in an ICRC-supported state hospital in northeast Nigeria.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study applied an explorative, qualitative research design. The data were collected in an ICRC supported hospital ward in northeast Nigeria in 2024 during a 28-hour overt participant observation period and through 10 individual semi-structured interviews. The data were subjected to qualitative thematic analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The data analysis revealed two main themes. The first theme entailed “the idea of practicing ideal nursing care,” that is, the nurse’s opportunities to conduct quality postoperative nursing care by complying with planned practical tasks related to guidelines and routines. This theme also involved adapting to various changes and challenges to maintain and improve postoperative nursing care. The second theme, “competence development,” highlighted the importance of learning and working together as well as continuously monitoring staff and care provision.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings provide valuable knowledge about how quality postoperative nursing care is maintained and improved through guidelines, routines, and collaborative learning. Adaptation to challenges was revealed to be an important aspect in building resilient postoperative care. More research is needed to investigate how nurse teams‘ adaptions in an ICRC-supported hospital ward may lead to sustainable postoperative nursing care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100933"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}