Challenges on-the-way of nursing administration at public hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the challenges faced by the nursing administration at public hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to recruit 86 nursing managers and head nurses from 17 public hospitals in Kabul. The participants rated the frequency of 13 challenges that hinder their performance. RESULTS: There were 14 nursing managers and 72 head nurses in the study. Almost 80% of the participants were male with the majority falling in the 35-44 year age bracket. Both nursing managers and head nurses were equally affected by all 13 challenges, except the lack of recognition where head nurses were affected more than the nursing managers (p = .003). The most frequent challenges for both were staff absenteeism and then too many responsibilities. CONCLUSION: There are multiple challenges that hinder the performance of nursing administration that need to be addressed through appropriate national policy and strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings of this study can inform policy makers and draw their attention to overcome the challenges faced by nursing management. This will ultimately improve satisfaction leading to improved patient and organisational outcome. The national policy and strategy should address areas that could enable nurses to maintain a balance between household and professional responsibilities; and also encourage the enrolment of female nurses in the profession.