The University Graduates of Nursing Science Association
(UGONSA) also known as Graduate Nurses Association of Nigeria (GNAN), the
professional association of nurses with a minimum qualification of first degree
in nursing, has extolled Nigerian nurses over the great effort they make to
keep Nigerians healthy despite the hostile environment that envelopes their
clinical practice in the Nigerian health system.
In a Christmas and New Year message by its National
President, Chief (Hon.) S.E.O Egwuenu and National Secretary, Nurse G.I. Nshi,
the association thanked nurses for their relentless efforts in the care of
humanity from birth to death.
It reads, “We sympathize with nurses over their unfortunate
situation in Nigeria, where
the hostile environment has not allowed them to
elaborate the full set of competencies for which they were trained and
licenced; where they are perennially dehumanized, overworked and underpaid;
where their contribution as clinicians with most visible round-the-clock input
in client care is under played .
“The unfortunate situation has forced a mass exodus of the
best brains we have in nursing to developed countries in Europe, Asia and
America. The same people that have usurped the leadership of Nigerian Ministry
of health as their birthright and use it for oppressive purposes against nurses
getting their deserved pay packages,often
travel to Europe and America and convert from their “goddish” profession
to nursing because of the better pay package obtainable to nurses in these
climes, which they have hypocritically opposed in Nigeria.
“Nigerian health system has been mismanaged to the point of
not having basic,essential equipment and supplies despite yearly budgets,such
that those ruling the country now see it as a death sentence to lay on the bed
of a Nigerian hospital, hence their globetrotting for medical tourism. Despite
the despicable situation, Nigerian nurses never abandoned Nigerians (their
patients) like the leaders have done to Nigerians and their hospitals.
“Because Nigeria's nurses are inured to hardship and working
under a very poor condition, given the littleness of opportunity and a better
working condition abroad, they perform magic hence the frenzy of developed
countries in Europe, America and Asia falling over each other to have Nigerian
nurses. Thus, the statement of our lord Jesus Christ that a prophet is without
honour only in his home town and in his own house defines the plight of
Nigerian Nurses in Nigeria.
“The good news that calls for celebration of nurses in this
season is that notwithstanding the precarious situation of our health system,
nurses have continued to live above board. For all the selfless efforts and
sacrifices and for going extra miles to better the lots of patients under a
harsh environment, we say “GOD BLESS NURSES ABUNDANTLY”.
“As we celebrate Christmas and Prepare to journey through
the year 2019, we urge nurses to continue to treat patients as kings and
queens, who we owe our allegiance to and who we live for.The excellent effort
you are putting in the care of mankind is what motivates UGONSA’s agitation for
a better deal for nurses. Please keep it up!
As we celebrate Christmas and New Year, we urge nurses to
use this season to make their patients experience rich positive memories that
will linger long after the season is gone- the statement said!
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