Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), has advised nurses to refrain from engaging in religious controversies while at work in order to prevent complications.
Some Nigerian nurses practicing abroad were recently queried for encouraging patients to pray during their treatments in some hospital.
Speaking with newsmen at the 5th and 6th induction and oath taking ceremony 108 registered nurses of Osun State University in Osogbo, he said the ethics of the profession does not recognize religion as a basis for practice.
Represented by the Council’s Project Manager, Mr Olaniyi Filade, he encouraged the new inductees to be patriotic and contribute to the development of the health sector in the country rather running abroad for greener pasture.
“Well, religion is a personal expression and it has nothing to do with the profession but one thing that is clear is that as a professional, one of the ethics the profession made clear, is that you are to take care of your patients irrespective of their ethnic background, their belief and their faith, whatever they’re disposed to shouldn’t be the basis for caring for them. Doing that could lead one to trouble.
“A nurse’s duty is to make sure that irrespective of their patient’s status even gender, you care for them as is expected of you as a professional, that is what is expected of every nurse and that is what their training and even ethics of the profession stated.
“In addition, I urged these sets of inductees to remain resilient in supporting the growth of the health sector in the country. They should ensure that Nigerians enjoyed their services as the country needs them more than other developed nations”, he said.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye urged the inductees to overlook the temptation of seeking opportunities abroad in favour of serving the country, saying all it’s 108 nursing students made a 100% success rate at council examination.
“To our esteemed inductees, I urge you to pause and reflect on your aspirations. While it may be tempting to seek opportunities abroad, I implore you to consider the profound impact you can make right here at home. Nigeria needs more nurses and medical professionals, and our University is committed to filling this crucial gap. It will require a personal commitment to national service and a steadfast belief in the potential of our nation for us to collectively transform this country. I therefore encourage you to have faith in Nigeria and prioritize the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of fellow citizens. By staying and serving local and urban communities, you have the power to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need”, he added
