Health
Council Tasks Newly Inducted Nurses On Patient Safety, Ethics
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has urged newly inducted nurses to prioritise patient safety, clinical competence and ethical conduct in healthcare delivery.
Dr Ndagi Alhassan, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NMCN, gave the charge on Tuesday at the induction of 53 Bachelor of Nursing Science graduates of Trinity University, Lagos.
Alhassan urged the inductees to exercise sound clinical judgement, remain accountable for their actions and demonstrate competence in providing safe and effective nursing care.
“Ensure the safety of lives and discharge your duties effectively. Demonstrate competence and be assertive about what to do, how to do it, and when to provide appropriate nursing care,” he said.
He also urged the nurses to embrace continuous learning, evidence-based practice and responsible social media use while protecting patients’ confidential information.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Abolore Onasoga, Head of Department, Nursing Science, University of Ilorin, identified ethical conduct, legal responsibility and professional accountability as essential pillars of nursing practice.
Onasoga, who was also the induction lecturer, said nursing extended beyond administering treatment to protecting patients’ rights, recognising ethical dilemmas and safeguarding confidential information.
“This ceremony is more than celebrating academic achievement; it marks the beginning of lifelong obligations to protect lives, preserve human dignity, alleviate suffering and promote health,” she said.
The Registered Public Health Nurse identified autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, human dignity, fidelity, veracity and confidentiality as eight principles guiding nurses’ decisions and professional conduct.
She cautioned against giving terminally ill patients and their relatives false hope, emphasising honest communication alongside compassionate support.
“You must be honest with your patients and their relatives, communicate the truth sensitively and provide supportive care without allowing sentiments to compromise professional judgement,” she said.
Onasoga warned that disclosing patients’ information without authorisation could breach professional standards and attract sanctions under applicable laws.
“Patient information is not a subject of gossip; nurses must protect confidential records, avoid unauthorised disclosure and understand that professional misconduct and negligence attract sanctions,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, urged the inductees to demonstrate integrity, compassion and respect for patients throughout their professional careers.
Kolawole described nursing as a calling requiring commitment to humanity, adding that personal character was as important as technical competence.
“Nursing is not just a career; it is a calling. It is about service, sacrifice and humanity. Your character matters as much as your professional skills,” he said.
Earlier, Ms Olaide Animashaun, Acting Dean, Faculty of Nursing Science, urged the graduates to pursue continuous professional development amid evolving healthcare technologies, emerging diseases and expanding research.
She said nurses needed critical thinking, effective communication and adaptability to meet changing healthcare demands and prioritise patients’ wellbeing over personal pride.
“Healthcare systems increasingly require professionals who can think critically, communicate effectively, innovate, adapt and place the wellbeing of patients above personal pride,” she said.
Animashaun advised the inductees to continue reading, asking questions, attending conferences and participating in research to strengthen their professional knowledge and practice.
Similarly, Mr David Oyejide, Registrar of Trinity University, said the institution’s nursing programme equipped graduates with multiple professional qualifications to help address Nigeria’s shortage of healthcare personnel.
He said the 53 inductees had completed a five-year programme leading to four qualifications: Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Registered Public Health Nurse and Bachelor of Nursing Science degree. (NAN)
MIL/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo