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Table 6 Thematic analysis from focus group discussion with graduates 14 months after graduation

From: Scaling up pediatric nurse specialist education in Ghana – a longitudinal, mixed methods evaluation

Category

Sub-Categories

Selected quotes

Program long term outcomes

• Increased job satisfaction

• Improved leadership abilities to initiate change

• Improved patient outcomes because of newly gained competencies

A boy came and the Physical Assessment findings and presenting complaints did not match. I assessed and suspected nephrotic syndrome. In the lab request, I added a urine [test]. The doctor came and asked what prompted me to check because the nurses he worked with never did that … [He said] ‘You have done well because if we had missed this, the child could have died.’ I felt satisfied.”

I organized a ward meeting with my staff. I have taught them emergency management, pain, NG tube. … I gave them the rationale and now they can practice in my absence.”

Before PNEP, I was at the OPD. There were cases we missed because we did not have the skills, some would have to die. But since I went back now, we manage it.”

Job satisfaction is 100%: to go home happy, to save a life, mothers see you in town and they come to greet you. Community members give you more respect.”

Factors that support their reintegration to the health system

• Supportive management

• Having another graduate from the program work in the same facility

“My manager is a [graduate] herself, so she understands and supports me.”

Challenges

• Lack of understanding of the pediatric nurse role

• Lack of recognition in absence of a degree

• Lack of equipment/infrastructure

People expect a degree BSc. They don’t understand the specialization.”

“We have issues with logistics, you are trying to improvise. We don’t have pediatric nasal prongs, so after you use for one baby you have to reuse on other babies. NG tubes as well […] –you won’t have the right size.”