The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr. Faruk Abubakar, has counselled nurses to treat every patient they encounter with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Speaking at the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 37 new nurses at the University of Ibadan, he said nursing is a profession that requires a blend of knowledge, skill, and compassion, and frontline caregivers, who will be instrumental in alleviating pain, offering comfort, and fostering hope in times of distress.
Represented by Timbuak Yamai, he said the core of the nursing profession is integrity, respect, empathy, and excellence while upholding the highest ethical standards in all their interactions and decisions.
Remember that in your hands lies the power to make a positive difference in the lives of your patients and their families. Treat every individual you encounter with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
‘Work in harmony with fellow healthcare professionals, recognising 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.
‘Prioritise self-care and well-being. Nursing can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Remember that by caring for yourself, you will be better equipped to care for others. Finally, always remember the impart you have on the lives of those you serve. Your presence, your care, and your advocacy can make all the difference to someone in need.”
Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Professor Christianah Adejumo, in her speech, asked the new nurses to embrace their uncertainties, be creative in their problem-solving approaches, and push the frontiers of what is possible because the world needs their skills, their compassion, and their unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Similarly, the provost of the College of Medicine at the university, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, stated that the excellence and quality of healthcare delivery in any system depends on the quality and commitment of the nurses.
Professor Omigbodun stated that nurses are the most sought-out health professionals worldwide, and Nigeria should recognise their worth and immediately find a way to ensure nurses stay back to work in Nigeria.
“Nurses own the fabric and the care of patients; the best surgeons and physicians cannot perform without nurses; your nurse brings your life back; your touch can comfort the dying; your voice of encouragement can lift out of depression; you are so precious.
“How I wish that the leadership of this nation can recognise your worth and immediately find a way to ensure that you stay back because nurses are so fundamental to the quality of what we do. Your skills and brilliance are needed here to nurse our healthcare delivery system back to life,” she added.
