CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR: UGONSA HAILS NIGERIAN NURSES AS “RESILIENT AND COURAGEOUS”

  

The University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA) in her end of the year and New Years’ message has described Nigerian nurses as “resilient and courageous”.

In a statement jointly signed by the National President, Chief (Hon.) S.E.O. Egwuenu, and the Ag. National Secretary, Nur. P.O. Eteng, the association averred that although the event of the year 2020 exposed the rots in our health system it however confirmed nursing as the pillar on which care delivery resides.

"The year 2020 designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the year of the nurses to celebrate the 200th year anniversary of the birth of the founding mother of modern nursing, Nur. Florence Nightingale, turned out to be a year of COVID-19 pandemic that exposed how ill-equipped the Nigerian healthcare delivery system is.

"Despite poor remuneration, lack of life insurance, and absence of basic Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) nurses proved to be the most reliable workforce of the century. They maintained an unequaled high-spirit, and selflessly confronted the dreaded virus with some paying the ultimate price when others took safety cover in their abodes. For all the altruistic care given to the masses, we say thank you! For our departed colleagues, we pray to the Almighty God to grant their souls eternal rest, Amen!

"As an association, the year 2020 was an eventful year for us. Efforts were targeted at changing the negative narratives of Nigerian nurses; several consultations and lobbying were made at different levels to achieve positive outcomes. The association is ever focused on working for the good of the nursing profession.

"Despite  challenges from within and outside we assure Nigerian Nurses that brighter days are ahead; where we are today is better than where we use to be;  by the grace of God tomorrow shall be better than today.

 To every Nigerian Nurse we charge that you remain an exemplary ambassador of the nursing profession, wherever your life interest may lead; never cease to preach and elaborate Love & Unity; continue to treat every Patient as a King or a Queen for they are the very reason for our existence. 

"Our slogan remains “make a positive change” to remind us that we must make positive impacts wherever we found ourselves.

"We wish to also felicitate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigerian (NMCN), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students' Association (NUNSA), the National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses & Midwives (NANSNM) and other stakeholders in the nursing profession for their various roles in ensuring that Nigerian nurses claim their rightful place among other professions in the health sector. 

We hereby appeal to you all, both individual nurses and nursing groups to always put the Nursing Profession first above any personal interest at every truest moment. As we hope for a positive outcome on the Proper Placement of RN with BNSc degree, we enjoin all stakeholders to see this a priority of the profession and throw all the necessary weights behind it to see it succeed. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2021!

UGONSA....... Make a Positive Change!!!!