Assertiveness and Self-Esteem Among Female Psychiatric Nurses at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Edo State

Assertiveness and healthy self-esteem are critical professional competencies for psychiatric nurses, enabling effective communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. This study examines assertiveness levels and self-esteem among female psychiatric nurses at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, Edo State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design will recruit 120 female nursing staff through total enumeration. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) will be administered alongside a structured sociodemographic questionnaire. Variables including years of experience, managerial position, educational qualification, and ward assignment will be analyzed as predictors using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. Existing literature from Nigerian psychiatric nursing contexts suggests that hierarchical hospital cultures and gender power dynamics reduce assertiveness among female nurses, adversely affecting clinical decision-making. This study will contribute to the design of professional development programs targeting communication skills, leadership, and mental health nursing identity at the institution. Keywords: assertiveness, self-esteem, psychiatric nurses, Edo State, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Uselu