DefinePK

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the preparedness of principals and vice principals in nursing institutions. Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at nursing colleges in Islamabad and Rawalpindi that offer undergraduate BSN programs, including both public and private institutions. This study was conducted from March to September 2023. Material and Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study design was used. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide.Content analysis was performed. The study was approved by the ethics and research board. Results: Twelve interviews were conducted. Nine out of twelve participants were female and three were male. Two were vice principals, and the rest were principals. The analysis of the data brought the findings into five main categories and twenty subcategories. The categories included role preparedness for principalship, challenges related to role preparedness, participants, and recommendations. The subcategories followed each category. Conclusion: Principals and vice principals performed academic planning and management, capacity building, quality assurance, and program excellence. A few challenges were constraints in planning budgets, financial management, operational hindrances, and resource limitations due to a lack of educational management knowledge and experience. Keywords: Nursing, Institute/College, Principal, Role Preparedness, Challenges, MSN