The educational needs among obstetrical and gynecological nurses in El-Gharbia Governorate

Abstract

Obstetrical and Gynecological  nursing is a healthcare profession that focuses on the care of the women and newborn, for that reason Obstetrical and Gynecological nurses (OB/GYN nurses) should be highly knowledgeable and well trained caregivers for the overall safety and well-being of women from the moment of menarche to menopause. The aim of this study was to assess the educational needs among obstetrical and gynecological nurses in Gharbia Governorate. This study followed a descriptive design. The study was carried out at Tanta University Hospital and Zifta General Hospital these were selected using multistage random sample technique. The subjects of the study consisted of all obstetrical and gynecological nurses working in the previously mentioned settings (151 nurses). A structured interview questionnaire sheet was designed to collect the required data regarding the study elements. It comprised questions about socio-demographic and practice, general health educational programs, specific health educational programs and the specific health training programs. The main results of this study revealed that the majority of the nurses (90.7%) weren't attended any training courses in obstetrical and gynecological nursing. The results also illustrated that around one half of the studied nurses (56.1%) had low need for general theoretical education courses. The results also illustrated that 73.2%, 56.2% of the nurses in the study had low need for specific theoretical education courses and clinical training courses, respectively. The study concluded that the main general theoretical educational needs among the nurses in the study were; infection control, medical terminology, and decision making skills. While, the specific theoretical educational needs included: common medications during labor, normal labor, and emergency obstetrical and gynecological nursing. Also, the top clinical training needs among the nurses in the study were insertion and removal of IUD, immediate care of newborn, pre and post-operative nursing management and CPR. The study recommended the development of a series of continuing in–service training programs based on the educational needs assessment.