Self-perceived competencies of nurses who completed an upgrading programme at the Malawi College of Health Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine self-perceived competencies of the Nurse Midwife Technicians (NMTs) who completed the two year upgrading programme at the Malawi College of Health Sciences when providing comprehensive nursing and midwifery care, subsequent to their completion of the upgrading programme. The main objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Upgrading Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Programme as perceived by the nurses who completed the upgrading programme as State Registered Nurse Midwives (SRNMs). The researchers used a quantitative and descriptive design. A questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect data from SRNMs who completed the upgrading programme. The findings indicated that the upgrading programme enabled the previous NMTs to improve their competencies and to work effectively as SRNMs. Improvements in the curriculum suggested by some respondents included that more emphasis should be placed on the research, education and management components of the programme. More clinical supervisors should be available to accompany students in the clinical areas. The library should have more resources such as new books and journals, as well as computers and provide students with access to the Internet.