Enablers and barriers of diploma nurses in upgrading to degree in Mbale city.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Background: Degree nursing education is increasingly recognized in the report as important for strengthening clinical competence, professional credibility and career advancement; however, diploma nurses in Mbale City may face socioeconomic and institutional constraints that limit their ability to upgrade.
Aim of the study: The study explored the enablers and barriers influencing diploma nurses from upgrading from diploma to degree level in Mbale regional referral hospital (MRRH) and Busitema University in Mbale City.
Methodology: Using a descriptive qualitative design, the study purposively selected 26 registered nurses,16 from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, of the 16, 3(18.8%) and already upgraded to degree and 10 upgrading nurses from Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to identify recurrent patterns in participants’ experiences of upgrading to a degree.
Results: Participants were 30–59 years old, and 32–49 years was the predominant age category (20/26, 76.9%). Most were female (21, 80.8%) and married (23, 88.5%). Education levels were diploma 23 (88.5%), bachelor’s degree 2 (7.7%) and postgraduate diploma 1 (3.8%). Employment titles were predominantly Assistant Nursing Officer 22 (84.6%), Work experience in current job title ranged from one year to 30 years, and 19 participants (73.1%) had at least five years’ service as registered nurses. Two theme were constructed (1) the barriers to upgrading, (2) enablers of upgrading. Key enablers included promotion and salary expectations, knowledge expansion and professional growth whereas major barriers were financial constraint such as tuition costs and school fees for children, workload and lack of study leave limited institutional support, delayed promotion after graduation and lack of flexible degree program options.
Conclusion: Upgrading was valued as a route to enhanced competence and career advancement, but its uptake was constrained by intersecting financial, domestic and intuitional barriers. Without targeted system and policy support, motivation alone is unlikely to sustained academic progression among diploma nurses in MRRH and Busitema University in Mbale City.
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Etap, L. (2026). Enablers and barriers of diploma nurses in upgrading to degree in Mbale city (Unpublished bachelor's dissertation). Busitema University.