National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, has urged the Enugu State government to employ more nurses in government-owned health facilities to cover the gap created by international migration of nurses.
The State Chairperson of NANNM, Dr Ngozi Ugwu made the call yesterday in Enugu while speaking on the commemoration of World Nurses Day, celebrated annually on May 12.
Ugwu said the huge number of nurses leaving annually from the state, especially in government-owned facilities, had added to the work strain of the remaining nurses, who work overtime.
“I must appreciate the state government for the number of nurses employed last year and another move to employ more this year at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.
“However, there are gaps in the number of nurses in general hospitals, cottage hospitals and even the Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
“These gaps need to be covered to reduce the psychological strain of some nurses overstretching their working hours daily,” she said.
The chairperson also urged nurses to care for their patients with empathy.
She said nursing remains a peculiar and noble profession built on service to humanity.
“A nurse should put it clearly in his or her mind that they are to save and preserve lives before any other considerations,” she said.
On the World Nurses Day, Ugwu urged nurses to also take care of themselves, while taking care of their patients.
She advised that they should imbibe healthy life-style and be positive minded on personal issues.
“As far as the profession is concerned, we celebrate everyday as we facilitate cure and well-being to millions.”
