Aim
To describe the experiences of Tanzanian nurses, how they perceive their role as a professional nurse and their experience with nursing care in a general hospital.
Design
This study is explorative, descriptive and qualitative.
Methods
The data were collected in 2015 by means of 10 semi‐structured interviews and was analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Results
The data analysis revealed two themes with corresponding sub‐themes related to Tanzanian nurses' perception with their professional role and experiences with nursing care: (1) Feeling professional pride; (2) Experiencing limitations and inadequacy. The findings indicate that the Tanzanian nurses possess a strong professional pride and commitment to serve and care for their patients. The nurses do their best to provide high quality nursing care but are faced with staffing shortages and limited materials that are beyond their control. Such limitations leave them feeling unable to fulfil their role and responsibilities.publishedVersio
