Background: Wounds have existed at all times and have always been feared because of the risk of infection leading to prolonged bed rest, and risk of complications such as amputation and even in some cases death. Pressure ulcers are included in the group of secondary healing wounds, which means that they heal from the inside only after that the wound is filled by granulation tissue. As a nurse one of the main work assignments is to promote health and care by showing professional liability to meet the patient's needs. In this study, the focus will be to describe the challenges for nurses in Tanzania in preventing and early detection of pressure ulcers.

Aim: To describe the challenges for nurses in Tanzania in preventing and early detection of pressure ulcers

Method: A descriptive qualitative design was chosen for this study as the aim was to explore nurses’ experiences of preventing and early detection of pressure ulcers. A qualitative design is most suitable when the researcher seeks to understand the phenomenon under study.

Results: There were indeed challenges for the nurses in preventing and early detect pressure ulcers. The findings could be divided into three sub-themes: a) Structural challenges and varying educational level among health care personnel, b) Insufficient resources – challenges and strategies, and c) Patients unable to pay for health care

Discussion: The discussion addressed that education is one of the main strategies for preventing pressure ulcers and is not always a financial issue. Understaffed wards and patients that are not able to pay for healthcare are factors that are ongoing issues at a hospital financed by the government. It also addresses the frustration some nurses expressed towards the problem and often felt helpless concerning patients health.