Brownie, SharonMaina, Gatimu SamwelWahedna, Abdul HaqKambo, IsabelNdirangu, Wambui Eunice2025-04-162025-04-162018Brownie, S., Maina, G. S., Wahedna, A. H., Kambo, I., & Ndirangu, W. E. (2018). Assessing The Impact of A Partnership‐Based Work/Study Nursing Upgrade Programme in a Low‐ and Middle‐Income Setting. Journal of Clinical Nursinghttps://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6641Journal ArticleAims and objectives: To evaluate the 15‐year impact of the work/study nursingupgrading programme in East Africa.Background: Working nurses in Africa are often primary family income earners, withlimited ability to leave jobs and upgrade qualifications. In 2001, the university estab-lished a work/study upgrade programme for enrolled‐ and diploma‐level nurses,allowing them to upgrade their qualifications while continuing to work and supportfamilies. Donor partnerships provided scholarships to further increase programmeaccess.Design: A mixed‐method design was used involving an online alumni survey and 24interviews and 23 focus groups with 172 purposively selected representatives ofnursing graduates, employers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and seniornursing officials.Method: Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Induc-tive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Equator guidelines informedreporting of both qualitative and quantitative results.Results: Of the 549 graduates who completed the survey, 81.2% (n = 446) werefemale, 93.1% were currently employed and 98% worked within East Africa. Theyreported improved professional competence (69.4%), nursing practice (25.9%) andpatient outcomes (4.6%) on graduation. Extracted themes included the following:flexible/accessible programme; friendly learning environment; effective teaching andlearning strategies; acquisition of nursing knowledge, skills and competencies; stake-holders’ role in the programme; career/professional advancement; and strengthenedhealth systems.Conclusion: The work/study programme was an effective nursing workforce capac-ity development strategy. Programme access was strengthened via the supportingdonor partnership. Positive outcomes were achieved with respect to the university'svalues of quality, access, relevance and impact.Relevance to clinical practice: Long‐term sustainable development of nurses andmidwives is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals. Work/studyprogrammes and private–public partnerships are effective mechanisms to strengthenthe development of nursing and the overall healthcare workforce in low‐resourcesettingsencapacity buildingeducationgraduateshealth WorkforcemodelsnursingArticle