Trinity University (TU) in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos has inducted its first set of Bachelor of Nursing Sciences graduands into the nursing profession.
Prof Clement Kolawole, the Vice-Chancellor of TU (Building on the Rock), called on the newly inductees to approach the profession with compassion and make impact in the world.
Kolawole gave the advice at the Induction, Oath and Presentation of Provisional licence to the 16 graduands/inductees, at a ceremony which held in the TU City Campus in Lagos.
Miss Grace Suuru got the awards for the best graduating student and best in mental health; Mr Benedict Oluwatimileyin, got award for the best behaved and Ikem Favourite, received the award for the best student in community health.
The TU Vice-Chancellor, who was also the Chairman of the ceremony, said that nurses played critical role in healthcare.
“Nursing is not just a profession; it is a calling that requires empathy, and a commitment to caring for others.
“I urge you all to remain committed to the values of nursing: care, compassion, and kindness. As you go forth, remember that nursing is a profession of purpose and impact which must be evident in your career.
“Go and make impact in the world, through purpose and passion and through a commitment to excellence, in the tradition of Trinity University,” he said.
He thanked the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria for their support and guidance during the academic journey.
The VC also assured that the graduands had been well-trained and equipped with knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide high-quality patient care.
Prof. Prisca Adejumo, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, who delivered the induction lecture, said that the inductees were stepping to a role of ethical journey.
Adejumo, who spoke on “ Transitioning from student to professional nurse: expectations and responsibilities towards empowering your journey into professional nursing”, said it was about “bridging the gaps between theory and practicals”.
She explained transition as the process of moving from one stage to another.
“It refers to a shift from being a student under supervision to a professional nurse responsible for a patient or client care”.
According to her, the journey they are going to embark on is pivotal to their career, a transition that calls for accountability, transformative journey to adaptability and resilience.
“It marks the beginning of years of hard work, learning, dedication and a journey filled with challenges and opportunities.
“As a professional nurse, you will take on greater responsibility, make greater decisions and contribute directly to improving patient outcomes.
“This transition is not about acquiring a title, but stepping into a role where your skills, knowledge and ethical judgement will significantly impact lives,” she added.
The guest lecturer, who tasked the inductees on competence, confidence, continuous learning, research and career goals, said, “investing in human capital is the best investment”.
In a remark, Ms Olaide Animashaun, Acting Dean, Faculty of Nursing Science, TU, enjoined the inductees to be good ambassadors of the institution, saying, “uphold our values and strive for excellence in the profession”.
Earlier, Dr Olawale Oladapo, Professional Nurse Elder, urged the newly inductees to be a“ nurse with a difference” in the communities and become part of a global healthcare team.
`Be focused and committed to your profession and to the people you serve”.
Meanwhile, Mr Ndagi Alhassan, Acting Registrar, Nursing Council of Nigeria, in a goodwill message, welcomed the inductees into the profession.
Alhassan said the oath had admitted them as nurses with the title – Registered Nurse (RN).
He urged them to be internship-based, adhere to the ethics of the profession and display humility.
“Bachelor of Nursing Science is a high standard education programme designed to produce nurses who are equipped with requisite knowledge, clinical skills and intelligence to render maximum healthcare to the populace,” he added.
He noted that the nurses were expected to therapeutically assist individuals, families and communities with diverse backgrounds including religion, culture, social status, beliefs amongst others, to resolve healthcare challenges.
“A lot is expected from everyone of you as polyvalent graduate nurses; as graduate nurses, you must be a blessing to perform nursing skills in a variety of healthcare settings.
“To achieve this, you need to understand the psychological and physical functions involved in in the alleviation of suffering, promotion/restoration of health and be able to function independently but collaboratively with other healthcare practitioners during your practice.
“You should be able to develop, initiate strategies on health promotion and as well implement a d evaluate such such for necessary outcome, however, you’ll be faced with constraints in performing these roles
“Be open to learning, receive guidance and corrections from your colleagues already in the clinical areas, improve and adjust positively, avoid unnecessary mistakes,” he said.
