By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders have appealed to the government explore all avenues to ensure more training and retain ancestors of nurses in the country.
The made the call at the induction ceremony of 37 graduates of the department of Nursing, CoMUI into the Nursing profession for the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc).
Speaking, Professor Omigbodun while appealing to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for increased slot for training of nurses also appealed to the government to consider negotiating with the graduands among other healthcare providers on ensuring they get more trainings and deploy their knowledge for the development of the sector in the country.
She described nurses as the most sort after and bedrock of any healthcare service delivery, adding that in most cases, they are the ones who receive the patient and the ones who are there when people are breathing their last.
She said “There are two health profession that were defined in that great book. One of them is the great physician and that is one of the ways God introduced himself, another which is fascinating is a Nurse.
“And the description of a nurse stands out and you know that there is a lot of responsibilities given as a Nurse. When we are sick, God becomes our Nurse. The Excellency and quality of health care delivery depends of the commitment and tenacity of the nurses.
“The doctors come and go. They write their prescriptions and do their examinations. The physiotherapist are invited. They come and they go. The laboratory science and everyone. The nurses are the bedrock. They are the ones who receive the patient. They are the ones who are there when people are breathing their last.”
“I wish the leadership of this nation can recognize your work. I wish they can recognize your values.”
Recounting her experiences, she urged the new nurses not to foreclose their minds to returning back to the country, even if they had to go outside to acquire more skills, trainings and exposures in the interest of developing the health sector.
She also appealed for support to the new faculty of nursing recently approved for the college, saying “as you have become a faculty, I know you need a lot of help to grow. I sm so delighted that now we have Faculty of Nursing.
“I went abroad and came back. I was abroad in the united state for three years but I had I mission to come back. That’s the kind of arrangement we need to have and we need the best of the best to stay and nurse us. If all our first class students go, who will nurse this nation back to life?”, he noted.
Also speaking before administering the oath on the inductees, the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr Farouk Abubakar who was represented by Mr Timbuak Yamm congratulated the new nurses, the College, parents and their guardians for the feat.
Noting that the new nurses have chosen a path that is not only rewarding but also one that carries great responsibility, he said their commitment to providing compassionate care and promoting the health and well-being of individuals and communities will have a profound impact on the lives of countless people.
He described nursing as a profession that requires a blend of knowledge, skill, and compassion, adding that they are the backbone of healthcare, the frontline caregivers who will be instrumental in alleviating pain, offering comfort, and fostering hope in times of distress.
He said “You have chosen a path that is not only rewarding but also one that carries great responsibility. Your commitment to providing compassionate care and promoting the health and well-being of individuals and communities will have a profound impact on the lives of countless people.
“Nursing is a profession that requires a blend of knowledge, skill, and compassion. You are the backbone of healthcare, the frontline caregivers who will be instrumental in alleviating pain, offering comfort, and fostering hope in times of distress. Remember that in your hands lies the power to make a positive difference in the lives of your patients and their families.
“As you step into your roles as registered nurses, I urge you to embrace the core values of our profession integrity respect, empathy, and excellence. Uphold the highest ethical standards in all your interactions and decisions. Treat every individual you encounter with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“Nursing is a lifelong journey of learning and growth, stay curious, seek opportunities to expand your knowledge, and embrace evidence-based practices to deliver the best possible care possible. Continuously develop your clinical and critical thinking skills, for they will be the foundation upon which you build your nursing career.
“In your pursuit of excellence, remember that nursing is a collaborative endeavour. Work in harmony with fellow healthcare professionals, recognizing the value of teamwork in achieving the best outcomes for your patients. Effective communication and a spirit of cooperation are essential elements of providing safe and holistic care.
“As you embark on your professional journey, also prioritize self-care and well- being. Nursing can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Take time to nurture your own health and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember that by caring for yourself, you will be better equipped to care for others.”
Highpoint of the event was words of encouragement form professional elders as well as presentation of prizes and awards to deserving individuals.
