Competency of Neonatal Unit Nurses Regarding Newborn Care in Selected Teaching Hospitals in Southwestern, Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal mortality remains an issue globally. There are approximately 6700 newborn deaths every day. Regrettably, most deaths are due to conditions which can be prevented by appropriate newborn care. Nurses play an important role in the care of neonates and prevention of neonatal death. This study aim to determine the competency of nurses as regards care of neonates in selected teaching hospitals in southwestern, Nigeria. Methods: Analytic cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and observation checklist. A total numeration of 163 nurses working in the neonatal unit participated. Data collected was analyzed using percentages, frequencies and chi-square test. Results were presented in tables and charts. Result: The mean age of respondents was 41.68 ± 9.539 years and 4 years median age years of experience. Almost all the respondents (85.9%) were married and more than half (56.4%) had BNSc degree. Approximately half (50.9%) of the nurses have unsatisfactory knowledge and attitude regarding care of neonates in neonatal unit. While in contrast, more than half (52.1%) of the nurses have satisfactory practice regarding care of neonates. Overall, less than half (45.5%) of the respondents were competent in taking care of neonates in the neonatal unit. Conclusion: Survival of neonates require nurses who are knowledgeable and competent to give quality care to neonates. The study found overall that most of the nurses were not competent in taking care of neonates. Nurses established that continuing education will facilitate their competence in the care of neonates. A regular continuing education interventions should be organized for nurses working in the neonatal unit to improve their competency in the care of newborns.