By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Vice Chancellor of McPherson University, Professor Francis Igbasan has urged the newly inducted nurses that graduated from the university to make good use of every opportunity comes their way in their line of duty.
The Vice Chancellor also advised the newly inducted nurses numbering 15 to apply the practical and people management skills acquired during their internship.
Addressing the inductees who were the pioneering nursing science students of the University, during the maiden induction ceremony of nursing science of the Institution, Professor Igbasan called on the newly inductees to always remember that nursing is an art that requires empathy, clear communication skills, care and emotional intelligence.
The induction ceremony which was held at the University’s Multipurpose hall, Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life.
Professor Igbasan in his welcome address urged the newly inductees to be kind to themselves as they navigate another journey.
Igbasan said, “Be patience in life, learn and grow, seek out mentors and role models who can guide and support you and never lose focus of why you became a nurse.”
“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 trainings in all the hospitals where you carried out practical postings, you have learnt, to the best of my knowledge, technical and people management skills.
“These are necessary skills for you to excel as nurses. 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.” Igbasan said.
Highlights of the induction ceremony included 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 educated 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 a nurse for a patient but unfortunately there is an exponential increase in the workload which according to her resulted to one nurse to 60 or 80 patients.
She however stated that there is an urgent need for the government to proffer viable solutions to stem the rise of emigration of health care personnel.
