Demographic-occupational survey and problems in the training of nursing staff in the public subsector of the district of La Matanza.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the demographic-occupational characteristics and continuous education problems of the nursing personnel in the public subsector of La Matanza district between the years 2017-2018.

Material and methods: A quantitative-qualitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental design with methodological triangulation was used, (interviews and surveys). The sample was non-probabilistic for convenience.

Results: A total of 123 units were included. Female gender  represented 80.24% (n=94) of the sample and the male gender 18.80%  (n=22), with a mean age of 39.62 years and 49.59% (n=61) were nurses. The mean job seniority was 10.40 years and 70.49% (n=86) worked up to 40 hours per week. 78.15% (n=93) had an income below the basic family basket. As regards training, 76.03% (n=92) participated in some type of continuous education program in the last three years, even though 73.50% (n=86) expressed difficulties in sustaining training, such as family or personal occupations and economic
problems.

Conclusion: The demographic characterization is largely similar to that found in other sources. The main differences found are younger age and higher level of training. In order to offer continuing education to meet the needs of the nursing personnel, we conclude that it is relevant to become aware of the topics of interest, the type of program they prefer and access difficulties they encounter.