Development of a needs-based support programme for divorced professional nurses in public healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a 24-hour, needs-based, user-friendly and private support programme for divorced professional nurses, that is driven by an open-door policy in healthcare facilities. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Participants were divorced professional nurses working in the healthcare facilities at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Interviews conducted with the participants were audiotaped and thematically analysed. Most of the participants indicated that the support they received during the process of divorce was inadequate, and this was evident in their responses and expressions of frustration and sadness. The non-availability of a needs-based support programme for divorced professional nurses was highlighted by most of the participants, as this had a huge impact on their emotional state of mind and performance in the workplace. Effective management of support programmes for divorced professional nurses will empower them to take control of their lives and improve their performance and productivity in the workplace.