The Registrar/CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Ndagi Alhasssan, has urged the newly inducted 56 Nursing Science graduands of Wellspring University to protect and maintain the ethics of the nursing profession so that they can excel in their chosen career.
Dr Alhasssan, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Stella Godswill, stated this at the 2nd oath-taking/induction of Nursing Science graduands of Wellspring University in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday.
He warned the professional nurses not to reveal their patients’ details on social media, urging them not to forget the values they learnt at the university and to also avoid indecent dressing.
“I urge you to anchor your practice in unwavering professional ethics, safeguard patients’ confidentiality, respect individual autonomy and always advocate for the safety and dignity of those in your care.
“Integrate compassion, humility and patient-centredness in your daily routine as nurses. In today’s interconnected world, maintaining professionalism extends to digital spaces.
“However, exercise caution in the use of social media. Your integrity will be at stake if you misuse or abuse social media, as will the integrity of the institution you work with.
“As nurses, you are unlike other professionals, so be careful of what you do online. Avoid sharing any patient’s details and ensure your online conduct remains ethical at all times. I urge you to maintain integrity,” he added.
Advising the inductees, the Vice Chancellor of Wellspring University, Prof. Isaac Ajayi, said their induction into the nursing profession is a call to greater responsibility and service.
The VC also urged them to remain faithful to the values instilled in them during their stay at the school, adding that they should be hard-working, diligent, maintain integrity and be honest.
“As you enter into the profession, I want you to remain faithful to the values that have been instilled in you at Wellspring. The values of hard work, diligence, respect, integrity and service excellence. These are the values I want you to uphold.
“Treat every patient with dignity, kindness and respect. Protect confidentiality, uphold professional values, continue learning and never compromise your standards for personal gains.
“Let your conduct reflect the personal character that you have been trained to have. Go forth and prove to the world that it is the Wellspring University you represent,” Prof. Ajayi added.
Speaking on the topic: From Studentship to Professional Practice: Navigating the Challenges of Modern Nursing,” the guest lecturer, Dr Olaolorunpo Olorunfemi, advised the inductees that their learning did not end with their graduation, urging them to continue acquiring knowledge.
He urged them to continue to build their character and avoid soiling their professional integrity because of their quest to travel abroad.
Dr Olorunfemi warned them to avoid having conflict with their bosses and seniors at work if they want to grow in the profession and advised them against falsifying records in their places of work.
In her welcome address, the institution’s Dean, Faculty of Nursing Science, Prof. Ngozi Osunde, admonished them to be good ambassadors of the university now that they have been inducted into the nursing profession.
“I wish to remind you once again that the nursing profession is evolving and dynamic. The healthcare environment is constantly changing with new challenges, such as emerging disease conditions, technological innovation and global health crises.
“You must be able to keep abreast of some of these challenges to make an impact and remain relevant to society and to your noble calling. Remember, you are ambassadors of Wellspring University. You must allow the values you have gained here to reflect in your personal and professional lives,” Prof. Osunde added.
Also, the Edo State Director of Nursing Services, Aliu Oboga, urged them to continue to uphold the values and knowledge they learnt in school in order for them to triumph in the nursing profession.
Out of the 56 graduands, 15 of them bagged first-class honours as the event also witnessed the presentation of awards to the best students who distinguished themselves in their academic pursuit.