NMCN calls for holistic approach to nurturing nursing practice

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr. Faruk Abubakar has called for the adoption of a holistic approach to nurturing nursing practice in the country.

He made the call while delivering a keynote address at the opening of a four-day international conference at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, recently.

The conference, according to the university’s spokesman, Dr Joshua Suleiman, in a statement made available to Nigerian Tribune, was jointly organised by the School of Nursing Sciences of Babcock University, the International Outreach Health Educators (IOHE), and the Nursing and midwifery council of Nigeira.

Delivering a paper, titled: “This Mission is Possible: Excellence in Nursing Practice and Leadership for Success,” Abubakar said the holistic approach he is referring to for nurses to imbibe as a culture include continuous learning, compassionate care, technological proficiency and focus on patients’ wellbeing.

He explained that apart from the crucial role nurses play in shaping positive patient outcomes, they also have a huge contribution to the overall success of healthcare systems.

Abubakar therefore advocated continuous investment not only in nurses’ professional development but also in patient care, dedication to duty, and compassion, the essence of nursing profession.

According to him, nurturing excellence in nursing is not just a goal but a commitment to creating a healthcare environment where both nurses and patients thrive.

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In his remark at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof Philemon Amanze, stressed the need for collaboration as a panacea to the Japa syndrome that has become a big challenge today in the health sector in the country.

He said the conference would help in addressing the Japa Syndrome and many other problems confronting the health and medical sector.

On his part, the Chief Medical Director of Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Prof Barnabas Mandong, said the recommendations from the forum that were meant for teaching hospital would be put to use back home.

Sharing her thoughts and perspectives at the conference, one of the foreign delegates from the US, Kathleen Farrel, expressed optimism that the knowledge shared especially by the foreign facilitators would do Nigeria’s nursing subsector good if implemented

Earlier at the opening session, President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof Ademola Tayo, charged nurses not to shirk their responsibilities as caregivers.

He said as caregivers, they must be able to protect, treat and care for patients irrespective of their ailments or diseases.

He said the conference would certainly give the participants opportunity to acquaint with the best global practices in nursing practice.

Others at the opening session include the Dean of the School of Nursing Sciences of Babcock University, Prof Christiana Sowunmi; and Provost of Benjamin Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences, Prof John Sotunsa, as well aa representatives of the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health Sciences, Mrs. Aminu Omobolanle and the Executive Secretary of the state primary healthcare board, Dr. Esther Ogunsilu and so forth.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE