Available Resources, Competency and Perception Regarding Expected and Performed Role of Nursing Staff Related to...

To abrogate the effects of early life adversities on child development and to promote a healthy, vibrant future for all children, the Government of India launched Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) in 2014, in which nursing staff were trained to screen defects at birth. Globally, there is growing interest in nursing staff's perceptions and skills. Thus, the study aims to explore the available resources, skills, and perceptions of nursing staff regarding RBSK in western Rajasthan.

A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted in 2022-2023 among 81 nursing staff working at selected delivery points in district Jodhpur, selected via consecutive sampling. Data on resources and competencies were collected using an observational checklist, and perceptions of expected and performed roles of nursing staff were collected using a self-developed 5-point Likert scale. Frequency and percentage were used for descriptive statistics, and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test were performed to make inferential inferences.

Overall, 87.7% of delivery points had adequate RBSK resources. Among the nursing staff (74.1%) perceived that they expected to have a maximum role, and (80.2%) perceived that they are performing a maximum role in the program. The majority had adequate competency in carrying out head-to-toe (79%) assessment and measuring height (81.5%) and weight (77.8%), respectively.

The study's findings provide policymakers with essential data on nursing staff performance at delivery points. Identifying competency gaps helps strengthen the healthcare system by improving workforce planning, supervision, and performance management.