Nurses leadership in research and policy in Nigeria: A myth or reality?

Abstract

Aim This study evaluates nurses' leadership in research and policy formulation in southern Nigeria. Background In Africa and particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries, expected health information from nurse's leaders is sometimes not available, thereby hindering the attainment of sustainable health. Methods This qualitative study used 12 high‐ranking nurses leader from primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems in Cross River State, Nigeria. In‐depth interview and focus group discussion were used to generate and validate collected data. Results There was marginal leadership in research and policy formulation. The hindering factors were mainly individual and institutional barriers. Conclusion Nurses effective leadership in research and policy have not yet been actualized. Suggested remedies include mentoring of the mentee in research, provision of designated grants for nursing research, acceptance of nurses as policy formulators rather than implementers among others. The small sample size informs the need for further study throughout the region. Implications for Nursing Management Nurses have the capability to exercise influence directly or indirectly on health care goals. Dereliction in research and policy formulation could hinder the attainment of desired health care reforms due to absence of innovation in nursing practice and management.

Challenges, Extent of Involvement, and the Impact of Nurses’ Involvement in Politics and Policy Making in in Last Two Decades: An Integrative Review

“…The challenges to political participation and in policy making were addressed in 17 studies (AbuAlRub & Foudeh, 2017; Ahoya, Abhichartibuttra, & Wichaikhum, 2016; Anderson, Bruce, Edwards, & Podham, 2016; Asuquo, 2019; Asuquo, Etowa, Gifford, & Holmes, 2016; Avolio, 2014; Cramer, 2002; Ditlopo, Blaauw, Penn‐Kekana, & Rispel, 2014; Hughes, 2010; Juma et al, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al, 2010; Kung & Rudner Lugo, 2015; Richter et al, 2013; Salavador, 2010; Shariff, 2014; Vandenhouten, Malakar, Kubsch, Block, & Gallagher‐Lepak, 2011; Warner, 2003).…”

“…The hierarchical gender power structure that has preferred men over nurses in authoritative positions has undermined the role and participation of nurses in politics and political decision making at the organizational and systematic levels (Ahoya et al, 2016; Hughes, 2010). Studies reported the preference of male physicians over nurses, physicians being more vocal than nurses on policy forums, and purposeful neglect of nurses’ opinions (Asuquo, 2019; Hughes, 2010; Shariff, 2014). Nurses also reported inadequate support from the political sector, government officials, or professional organizations (Kunaviktikul et al, 2010; Richter et al, 2013) due to their negative public image (Shariff, 2014).…”

“…Regarding intra‐profession dynamics, if some nurse leaders got involved in policy making, they seemed to eat their young (Juma et al, 2014). Limited collective action among nurses in political situations (Asuquo, 2019; Warner, 2003) and limited alliance among nursing stakeholders, associations, and leaders resulted in no unified voice (Ditlopo et al, 2014).…”

“…Studies indicated the lack of motivation, time, and education as the major nursing‐specific challenges (Anderson et al, 2016; Avolio, 2014; Salavador, 2010; Vandenhouten et al, 2011). Those nurses who were in leadership positions either refused to mentor their juniors or ignored them completely to show their dominance (Asuquo et al, 2016; Asuquo, 2019; Juma et al, 2014). Ditlopo et al (2014) noted that nurse leaders were reactive rather than proactive in influencing the policy processes and encouraging their junior nurses to participate.…”

“…The extent of nurses’ involvement was addressed in 19 studies (AbuAlRub & Foudeh, 2017; Ahoya et al, 2016; Alhassan et al, 2019; Asuquo, 2019; Asuquo et al, 2016; Avolio, 2014; Ditlopo et al, 2014; Juma et al, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al, 2010; Kung & Rudner Lugo, 2015; Lewinski & Simmons, 2018; O’Rourke, Crawford, Morris, & Pulcini, 2017; Richter et al, 2013; Salavador, 2010; Sarnkwawkum & Oumtanee, 2018; Shariff, 2014; Shariff & Potgieter, 2012; Vandenhouten et al, 2011; Warner, 2003).…”