Table 1 Themes and sub-themes from the data analysis

1. Inadequate number of nurses to deliver quality child healthcare

1.1. Overburdened nurses

1.2. Too stressed to provide quality care

1.3. Reliance on auxiliary staff

1.4. Unavailability of services

2. Nurses inexperienced in child healthcare delivery

2.1. Newly qualified and inexperienced nurses

2.2. Learning on the job

2.3. Lack of regular in-service training

3. Undesirable attitude of nurses

3.1. Lack of sense of urgency

3.2. Poor in-patient care