Nurses’ perceptions regarding their own professionalism attributes to quality neonatal, infant and under-5 childcare

Abstract

Abstract Background Professional nurses are trained to provide quality care. Despite their skill, neonates, infants, and under-5 children mortality rates are high, and healthcare is challenged to reach sustainable development goal number 3 of healthy lives and to reduce the mortality rates. Methods This study employed a qualitative exploratory, descriptive design to explore and describe professional nurses’ professionalism attributes to provide quality care to neonates, infants, and under-5 children in the North West Province. Eight naïve sketches of an all-inclusive sample of invited professional nurses (N = 25; n = 8) were received. The naïve sketch questions were based on the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario’s professionalism attributes. Tesch’s eight data analysis steps were used with an independent coder’s assistance. Results The categories included (1) knowledge, (2) spirit of inquiry, (3) accountability, (4) autonomy, (5) advocacy, (6) collegiality and collaboration, (7) ethics and values) and (8) professional reputation with their respective themes and sub-themes. Conclusion Professional nurses are aware of their nursing professionalism attributes in quality of care in neonates, infants and under-5 children, ‘innovation and visionary’ attribute did not emerge, which should receive more attention to strengthen the quality of care. However, the attribute ‘professional reputation’ newly emerged in the South African context.