The nursing profession in Southern Jordan - Challenges and recommendations for improvement

This paper aims to elucidate the current status of nursing in Southern Jordan, and to identify strategies that would enable improvement in nursing within that region. A qualitative study using key informant focussed interviews was conducted in the south of Jordan during the first half of 2010. Purposeful sampling was used until saturation of the data occurred. This required involvement of eight informants in the study, drawn from various health institutions in the southern region. Major issues that affect the nursing profession in the region were identified through thematic analysis. Themes emerging included cultural issues, geographic isolation, sustainability and turnover of professional nurses, continuing professional development, and strategies for improvement. Future action to improve the status and position of the nursing profession is warranted in this region. Enhancing general conditions of employment may serve to attract and retain nursing staff. Incentives for them to live and practice in southern Jordan are needed. Nurses from the local community should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate study.