Caring Behaviour of Nurses in Orthopaedic Wards of Selected Health Institutions as Perceived by Patients

Nurses are trained to provide hands-on care to patients in a variety of settings, which include physical care which can range from total care to helping a patient prevent illness. The health of a patient can significantly improve when they (patients) perceive caring nursing behaviours and are satisfied with the quality of care been received from their care giver. The aim of this study was to determine the caring behaviour of nurses as perceived by patients admitted to orthopaedic ward in some selected hospitals in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria. A descriptive comparative design was used. Convenient sample technique was used to select 616 respondents consisting of male and female patients admitted to orthopaedic wards of selected hospitals. The questionnaire on Caring Behaviour Assessment scale was adapted from CBI. The most highly ranked perceived nurses’ behaviour by patients rated “satisfactory” was the general perception of the patients and rendering of basic needs. The findings also revealed that patients rated nurses behaviour (care-giving) with respect to human needs assistance, the provision of safe environment, assisting in psychological care and giving physical comfort as average. Lastly, findings also revealed that patients rated perceived nurses behaviour (care-giving) as “not satisfactory” with regards to meeting their communication needs, nutritional needs and individualized care. In conclusion, care giving is an important branch of nursing and it depicts the quality of care received by a patient which in turn is capable of aiding speedy recovery.