An expert in Community Health Nursing from the Department of Community Health Nursing, University of Ibadan, Dr. Dorothy Odetola, has lamented the country’s acute shortage and mass emigration of skilled healthcare personnel.
Odetola, who was the guest speaker at the induction of the first 15 graduate nurses of McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, with the theme “Advancing Frontiers in Nursing Education and Practice: Effects of Japa Syndrome on Sub-Saharan Africa,” disclosed that over 57,000 nurses migrated from Nigeria within five years spanning from 2017 to 2022.
She added that this was meant to be one nurse per patient, but unfortunately, today’s situation is one nurse per 60 or 80 patients, with an exponential increase in the workload.
She stated that the government at all levels urgently needed to offer viable solutions to stem the rise in the emigration of healthcare personnel.
The oath was administered by Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
In his address after administering the oath, Abubakar, represented by Mrs Kemi Awe, reminded the newly inducted Registered Nurses of society’s expectations of them as healthcare providers, urging 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, enabling them to acquire higher degrees in nursing after the internship.
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.
He also urged them to always remember that nursing is an art that requires empathy, clear communication skills, care, and emotional intelligence. He urged them to be kind to themselves as they navigate another journey, patient with themselves as they learn and grow, and seek mentors and role models who can guide and support them.
“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, fears, and hopes.
“You will be responsible for providing comfort, compassion, and healing. And I know that every one of you is up to the task. I believe very strongly in you.’’
