Management of Complicated Deliveries in Public Hospitals in Windhoek: The Experience of Registered Nurses

Abstract

Maternal and neonatal complications during childbirth remain a major concern in Namibia, particularly in public healthcare settings where nurses often serve as the first responders in emergency obstetric care. The background of the study was rooted in Namibia’s persistent struggle with maternal mortality and morbidity rates, which are often exacerbated by delayed interventions, limited resources, and systemic constraints within the public health sector. The statement of the problem centred on the gap in knowledge regarding how registered nurses cope with these high-stress situations, the impact on their professional practice, and the implications for patient care and maternal health outcomes. The study explored the experiences of registered nurses in managing complicated deliveries in public hospitals in Windhoek, Namibia. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of registered nurses in managing complicated deliveries. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of ten registered nurses working in maternity wards across selected public hospitals. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that nurses encountered multiple challenges including limited resources, inadequate staffing, and high patient load, which affected the quality of care provided during complicated deliveries. Participants reported experiencing emotional stress and professional pressure due to the critical nature of obstetric emergencies. Despite these challenges, nurses demonstrated resilience and utilized teamwork, clinical skills, and ongoing professional development to manage complicated cases effectively. The study also highlighted the need for improved training, better resource allocation, and psychosocial support for nurses to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study concluded that understanding nurses’ experiences provided valuable insights for healthcare policymakers and hospital management to develop strategies aimed at improving maternal health services and supporting healthcare providers in public hospitals.