AN INVESTIGATION INTO NURSES' RESILIENCE IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Nursing is widely acknowledged as one of the most challenging professions due to its high-stress environment, demanding both emotional and physical resilience. Nurses routinely contend with extended working hours, intense workloads, emotional exhaustion from patient interactions, and numerous administrative responsibilities. These stress-inducing factors can compromise their productivity and mental well-being. In healthcare environments, workplace resilience—defined as the ability to positively adapt when facing adversity—has emerged as a key factor in maintaining job efficiency and ensuring the delivery of quality care (Adekunle & Bello, 2023). Globally, the health sector increasingly acknowledges the significance of workplace resilience in sustaining the professional commitment of nurses. At Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, nurses encounter a range of critical challenges common to many Nigerian teaching hospitals, such as inadequate staffing, deteriorating infrastructure, and unsatisfactory welfare benefits. These difficulties are further complicated by high nurse-to-patient ratios, outdated or insufficient medical equipment, and irregular salary payments. In contrast, countries with advanced healthcare systems have implemented workplace resilience strategies that have proven effective in minimizing burnout, enhancing job fulfillment, and promoting patient safety (Smith et al., 2022). Unfortunately, in many developing countries, including Nigeria, the deployment of such support systems remains sparse, leaving healthcare workers vulnerable to stress-related mental health issues (Ibrahim et al., 2022). As noted by Okeke and Nwosu (2023), such conditions underscore the importance of resilience as an indispensable quality for nurses in upholding their dedication to the profession. Research supports that resilience in the workplace reduces the adverse impacts of occupational stress, decreases staff turnover, and enhances coping abilities among healthcare professionals (Thomas & Eze, 2022). The development of resilience is influenced by both external organizational elements—such as effective leadership, a supportive institutional culture, and the availability of resources—and internal personal factors like emotional intelligence, confidence in one's abilities (self-efficacy), and a positive outlook (optimism). Nevertheless, in many Nigerian healthcare facilities, systemic support for resilience-building is either lacking or poorly structured, making it difficult for nurses to cultivate this essential trait (Adebayo & Musa, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the importance of resilience among healthcare providers, as they were confronted with extraordinary challenges, including a surge in patient numbers, higher infection risks, and extended working periods. Studies have shown that healthcare workers with higher levels of resilience were better equipped to manage pandemic-induced stress while maintaining performance (Eze & Adeola, 2023). This highlights the pivotal role of resilience in ensuring the continuity of healthcare services, especially during crises. Although resilience is vital in the field of nursing, empirical research focusing on resilience among Nigerian healthcare workers remains scarce. Much of the existing literature centers on stress and job satisfaction, rather than on specific methods for fostering resilience within the country's unique social and economic context. This gap in research is particularly significant given the unique obstacles nurses face at OAUTHC, thereby justifying the need for a comprehensive study on their workplace resilience (Ibrahim et al., 2022). Promoting workplace resilience is not only essential for maintaining a sustainable health system in Nigeria but also critical for safeguarding the well-being of nursing professionals. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the level of workplace resilience among nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Due to the intense and stressful nature of their work, nurses are increasingly in need of resilience in the workplace to perform effectively in today’s healthcare environment. Factors such as heavy workloads, emotional strain, and regular exposure to life-threatening medical situations can severely impact a nurse’s mental health and overall job performance. Nigeria's healthcare system has witnessed a growing burden due to population increases and recurring outbreaks of infectious diseases—conditions that have further tested the limits of nurses’ resilience (Adekunle & Bello, 2023). Despite the vital role that resilience plays in ensuring nurses’ well-being and optimizing their job output, there is a lack of comprehensive studies focusing on the development and sustainability of resilience among Nigerian hospital staff. At OAUTHC, nurses frequently face immense pressure due to critical issues such as staffing shortages, insufficient equipment, and protracted work hours (Ibrahim et al., 2022). The lack of institutional support—such as opportunities for continuing professional development, accessible counseling services, and effective stress management training—exacerbates their workplace challenges. These adverse conditions can reduce the quality of patient care, increase absenteeism, and lead to professional burnout (Okeke & Nwosu, 2023). Given the significance of resilience in enhancing nurses' ability to manage stress, perform effectively, and uphold patient safety, there is a pressing need to investigate the current state of workplace resilience among nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to assess workplace resilience among nurses in Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital. The specific objectives is as follows i.Assess the level of workplace resilience among nurses at OAUTHC ii.Identify factors that influence workplace resilience among nurses in OAUTHC. iii.Explore the coping mechanisms commonly used by nurses to build resilience in the face of adversity in OAUTHC. iv.Proffer recommendations aimed at enhancing workplace resilience among nurses at OAUTHC 1.4 Research questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What is the level of workplace resilience among nurses at OAUTHC? ii.What are the factors that influence workplace resilience among nurses in OAUTHC? iii.What are the coping mechanisms commonly used by nurses to build resilience in the face of adversity in OAUTHC? iv.What are the profferd recommendations aimed at enhancing workplace resilience among nurses at OAUTHC? 1.5 Significance of the study The findings from this research will be valuable to hospital administrators by offering deeper understanding of how factors such as organizational culture, supportive leadership, and mental health resources influence nurses’ resilience. This knowledge can guide policy adjustments and the creation of support initiatives aimed at enhancing nurses’ job satisfaction and reducing staff turnover. 1.6 Scope of the study The study focus on workplace resilience among nurses in Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital. Empirically, the study will assess the level of workplace resilience among nurses at OAUTHC, identify factors that influence workplace resilience among nurses in OAUTHC, explore the coping mechanisms commonly used by nurses to build resilience in the face of adversity in OAUTHC and proffer recommendations aimed at enhancing workplace resilience among nurses at OAUTHC. Geographically, the study will be delimited to Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital Ile- Ife, Osun State. 1.7 Limitation of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.8 Definition of terms Workplace Resilience: The ability of nurses to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of workplace challenges, including job-related stressors such as workload, patient care demands, and emotional pressure. Nurses: Registered healthcare professionals responsible for providing patient care, promoting health, and supporting patient recovery within healthcare institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. Job Stressors: Work-related factors that cause mental, emotional, or physical strain on nurses, including long shifts, high patient-to-nurse ratios, and critical medical emergencies. Organizational Culture: The shared values, norms, and practices within a healthcare institution that influence nurses' behavior, attitudes, and overall work experience. Leadership Support: The assistance, guidance, and motivation provided by healthcare managers and supervisors to nurses, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing resilience. Mental Health Support Services: Institutional programs such as counseling, therapy, and peer support aimed at promoting nurses' psychological well-being and mitigating job-related stress . Coping Mechanisms: Strategies employed by nurses to manage stress, reduce burnout, and maintain mental health, such as seeking social support, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in self-care activities. Burnout: A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to work-related stressors, leading to reduced job performance and motivation . Job Satisfaction: The level of contentment and fulfillment nurses experience from their job roles, influenced by factors such as work environment, pay, and career development opportunities.