Registrar/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.
Dr Abubakar made the call while delivering a keynote address at the opening of a four-day international conference which took place at Babcock University.
In a paper, “This Mission is Possible: Excellence in Nursing Practice and Leadership for Success”, Dr. Abubakar said a holistic approach required continuous learning, compassionate care, technological proficiency and a focus on patients’ wellbeing.
The conference was a tripartite collaborative venture organized by the International Outreach Health Educators (IOHE), the School of Nursing Sciences and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NWCN).
Apart from the pivotal role nurses play in shaping positive patient outcomes, Dr. Abubakar said nurses have a huge contribution to the overall success of healthcare systems.
He equally advocated continuous investment not only in nurses’ professional development but also in patient care, dedication to duty, and compassion, the essence of nursing profession.
“Overall, nursing excellence is about striving for the highest standards of care, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and improvement, and making a positive impact on the lives of patients and the healthcare community,” he said.
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
In his goodwill message, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Philemon Amanze stressed the need for collaboration as a panacea to the Japa syndrome in the health sector.
He said any recommendations from the conference that would improve the efficiency and proficiency of the nursing profession in an era of recurring pandemic, economic challenges and the Japa syndrome would be much welcomed.
Chief Medical Director, Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Professor Barnabas Mandong said any inputs from the facilitators on BUTH’s facilities would help in their improvement where necessary.
“Don’t go away without lending us your experiences. We are happy and proud of you’, he said.
Speaking, a representative of the eight facilitators from US, Kathleen Farrel, expressed delight for the opportunity to offer the support that would make the mission possible.
“We are happy to be in the conference because we care, and we have something to share. We came well prepared and hope that what we brought to share is acceptable,” she said.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Dean of the School of Nursing Sciences, Professor Christiana Sowunmi, Provost, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Health and Medical Sciences, Prof John Sotunsa, Representatives of the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health Sciences, Mrs. Aminu Omobolanle, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Mr. Olakanni Abiodun, Executive Secretary , Ogun State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ogunsilu Esther Abiola, respectively. Also in attendance was the Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Ogun State, Comrade Adejoke Bello among others.
Meanwhile, President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo has charged nurses not to shirk their responsibilities as care givers.
Speaking at the opening of the four-day international conference on nursing which took place at the 600-seater auditorium of Babcock University, Professor Tayo reminded the nurses that ‘compassion and self-less services’ are non-negotiable in their chosen career.
As caregivers, Professor Tayo said, the nurses protect, treat and care for patients that have all kinds of diseases at the same time.
“Know it that you have excellent responsibilities”, he added.
He therefore noted that nurses’ role in the healthcare sector of any nation cannot be downplayed in view of the multiplicity of diseases troubling the African continent in recent times.
Professor Tayo said the conference was not only an opportunity to get the participants acquainted with the best practices in nursing practice but also to foster a healthy Nigeria.
He urged participants to interrogate and take full advantage of the conference to interact and get the best in what is in stock for you.