As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance Kenya’s nursing sector, Phase 2 of this project seeks to bring transformative changes through three main goals: improving policies, uplifting the image of nurses, and fostering collaboration. Central to these efforts is the emphasis on knowledge generation, particularly through research. In a move to build a more informed and strategic approach to advocacy, we are proposing a public perception study aimed at understanding the attitudes of Kenyans toward nurses. This study will not only inform future communication strategies but also provide a foundation for policy and regulatory recommendations.
Policy improvement remains the bedrock of sustainable change within the nursing sector. Key milestones under this area include:
Dissemination of the Nursing Policy: Creating awareness and ensuring policy adoption across healthcare facilities.
Revision of the Scheme of Service: Now termed the Career Progression Guidelines, this revision aims to provide nurses with a structured career path, enhancing motivation and professional growth.
Development of Practice Guidelines for Advanced Practice Nursing and Midwifery (APN/APM): These guidelines define the scope of work, competencies, and responsibilities for advanced practice nurses, establishing a framework for specialized care.
Strategic Plan for Nurses and Midwives: A comprehensive roadmap for the future, outlining goals and priorities for the nursing and midwifery profession in Kenya.
Result Area 2: Uplifting the Image of the Nurse
To foster greater respect and appreciation for the nursing profession, initiatives under this area aim to shift public perceptions and promote a more positive image:
Communication and Advocacy Strategy: This strategy highlights the critical roles that nurses play within healthcare, aiming to humanize their work and elevate their status within society.
Supporting Nursing Associations: By collaborating with nursing professional bodies, the project bolsters initiatives that strengthen professional development and representation.
Result Area 3: Building Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships are crucial to achieving long-term goals, expanding resources, and reaching a wider audience. Efforts include:
Support for the Nurse’s Caucus (QUAD): This caucus brings together key stakeholders in nursing to advocate for policies and programs that benefit the profession.
NCD Screening through Afya Reach: Collaborating with Afya Reach to provide non-communicable disease screening services, an initiative aimed at preventive care.
Knowledge Generation and Evidence: This is a standout component of Phase 2, as we seek to understand and shape public perception through research. The proposed public perception study on attitudes toward nurses will generate valuable insights, helping us identify gaps in understanding and areas for targeted advocacy. By addressing public attitudes, this study aims to foster empathy, respect, and recognition for nurses’ indispensable roles.
As Phase 2 unfolds, these goals collectively work toward establishing a well-regulated, respected, and collaborative nursing sector that not only meets the healthcare needs of Kenyans but also elevates the nursing profession as a whole. The findings from the public perception study will be pivotal in guiding future advocacy efforts, ultimately shaping a more informed and supportive view of Kenya’s nurses.
