McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, has inducted its pioneer set of nursing graduates into the nursing profession.
The induction of the first graduate nurses was held at the university’s multipurpose hall on Wednesday.
The 15-inductee’s nurse’s oath was administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
In his address after administering the oath, the NMCN Registrar reminded the newly inducted Registered Nurses of society’s expectations of them as healthcare providers and charged them to live up to the demands of the profession at all times.
He also encouraged them to be willing to learn from senior colleagues during their internship and urged them to acquire higher degrees in nursing after the internship.
The induction ceremony had a thought-provoking lecture delivered by an expert in community health nursing from the Department of Community Health Nursing, University of Ibadan, Dr Dorothy Odetola, who enlightened the audience on the induction theme, titled “Advancing Frontiers in Nursing Education and Practice: Effect of Japa Syndrome on Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She lamented that there is currently an acute shortage and mass emigration of skilled healthcare personnel in the country, adding that over 57,000 nurses migrated from Nigeria within the period of five years spanning from 2017 to 2022.
Odetola noted that Care has to be qualitative, but unfortunately, emigration deteriorates the already worn-out healthcare systems
She further added that there is meant to be one nurse for patient, but unfortunately, there is an exponential increase in the workload, which according to her results is one nurse for 60 or 80 patients.
She stated, however, that there is an urgent need for the government to offer viable solutions to stem the rise in the emigration of healthcare personnel.
Speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Francis Igbasan, advised the newly inducted nurses to apply the practical and people management skills acquired during their internship, adding that they should learn from senior colleagues at work.
Igbasan urged the inductees to always remember that nursing is an art that requires empathy, clear communication skills, care, and emotional intelligence.
While he urged them to be kind to themselves as they navigate another journey, patient with themselves as they learn and grow, seek out mentors and role models who can guide and support them, and never lose sight of why they became nurses, he shared words of encouragement and wisdom.
“My dear students, let me assure you that the joy and successes ahead of you are nothing comparable to the stress you have passed through to reach this point.
“The journey ahead of you is an exciting one. So, brace up! The other day, the Dean, College of Allied Health Sciences, was briefing me about your outstanding performances in the 2024 Professional Examinations. He said, ‘the future is bright for McPherson-trained nurses.’ I agreed with him 100 percent!
“As nurses, you will be called upon to care for patients in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. You will be trusted with their stories, their fears, and their hopes. You will be responsible for providing comfort, compassion, and healing. And I know that each and every one of you is up to the task. I believe very strongly in you.
“Throughout your education here at McPherson University, including the frequent practical training in all the hospitals where you carried out practical postings, you have learned, to the best of my knowledge, technical and people management skills.
“These are necessary skills for you to excel as nurse. All the knowledge you have accumulated will come in handy day by day. As you begin nursing practice, be patient to learn from experienced colleagues. Remember, learning is continuous.
“My distinguished about-to-be-inducted nurses, always remember that nursing is an art that requires empathy, clear communication skills, care, and emotional intelligence. It requires active listening, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It entails compassion, kindness, patience, and, more importantly, a deep respect for the human experience. You must display these valuable skills always,” he added.
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