Investigation on the caring ability of nurses with different backgrounds

Objective To investigate the caring ability of nurses with different backgrounds, in order to provide references for improving nurses' caring ability. Methods Departments of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology and E.N.T departments were selected by cluster sampling, and then 100 nurses were selected from the five departments by convenient sampling. The participants were investigated through questionnaire, including education background, technical title, length of service, department, and the frequency of nursing care for patients during work. The caring ability of nurses were investigated using Nkongho's caring ability evaluation questionnaire, involving cognition, courage, patience. Results The caring ability of the nurses was found to be in low level. The scores in cognition, courage and patience of chief nurses were significantly higher than senior nurses and common nurses (P0.05). The scores in cognition, courage and patience in nurses with nursing age above 15 years were significantly higher than those with nursing age of 1~5 years and those of 6~15 years (P0.05). The frequency of nursing care of chief nurses was significantly higher than senior nurses and common nurses (P0.05). Conclusion The overall caring ability of nurses in our hospital is poor, especially those nurse with lower professional title and short working years. Measures should be taken to improve the caring ability of nurses.