- The popular specialties in Kenya include anaesthetist, psychiatric, midwifery, oncology and paediatric nursing among others
- However, many nurses are making contributions to clinical research and scientific discourse
Nurses have been encouraged to branch into research, one of the least popular career paths in Kenya.
Dr Monica Juma, the national security advisor to the President, said research plays a major role in enhancing the quality of health services.
“By engaging in research endeavours, nurses not only expand their own knowledge and skills but also contribute to the body of evidence that informs clinical practice and healthcare policies.
"Therefore, I encourage all nurses to embrace research as an integral part of their professional journey,” Juma said.
This was at the International Nurses Week celebrations at Nairobi Hospital, where her speech was read by Brigadier Caroline Musyoka.
Research nurses collect and assess data during clinical trials. They may interview patients before a new procedure or monitor, record, and report their progress after they have received an experimental treatment.
They also supervise patients to ensure they follow the study protocols correctly.
A clinical research nurse may also be responsible for writing reports or study results, submitting and publishing studies in medical journals, or presenting research findings at a medical conference.
Because of fewer job openings and extensive study requirements, there are not many nurse researchers in Kenya.
The popular specialties in Kenya include anaesthetist, psychiatric, midwifery, oncology and paediatric nursing among others.
However, Juma said she still encounters many nurses contributing to clinical research and scientific discourse.
“The writing and presentation of research abstracts at scientific conferences not only showcase their dedication to advancing the field of healthcare but also highlight their capacity for innovation and intellectual curiosity,” she said.
Those interested in research require higher level training, although many research nursing jobs do not require advanced degrees.
The demand for research nurses in Kenya is growing because of the many clinical trials taking place in the country.
“Let us create an environment where nurses are encouraged to pursue excellence, where their voices are heard and valued, and where they have access to the resources they need to thrive to provide world-class treatment and service,” Juma said.
Nairobi Hospital CEO James Nyamongo said the facility’s Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences provides specialised training in critical areas such as ICU, oncology, accident and trauma, nephrology, mental health and physiotherapy.
“Last year alone, we saw 57 of our nurses advance to become specialty nurses, and an impressive 423 nurses were sponsored to attend short courses and scientific conferences,” he said.
The International Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12,coinciding with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
The week-long celebration was first established by the International Council of Nurses in 1965.