IDRIS TASKS NURSES ON PROFESSIONALISM

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris has tasked nurses in the State health sector to exhibit high degree of professionalism when carrying out their duties as care givers.

Idris who stated this at the Year 2017 Nurses Assembly; an annual programme that is a forum to update nurses from all levels of health care in public and private facilities as well as nurses from nursing education institutions on health policies of the State Government, noted that every activity in the health sector requires specialisation and high degree of proficiency.

“What we do in the health sector requires professionalism and to be a professional requires specific skills, specific knowledge and commitment. The global world is changing rapidly and to meet with the dynamics of this change, nurses need to brace up for the demands of the profession by acting professionally”, he said.

The Commissioner while noting that the nursing is a special vocation admonished nurses to promote the values and ideals of the profession especially in view of the need to ensure that  qualitative health care is given to patients adding that nurses are major contributors to success recorded in the health sector.

He added that the theme of this year’s Nurses Assembly, ‘Professionalism: A Roadmap for Ethical Compliance in Nursing’ is apt especially as the State is about to roll out its much awaited health insurance scheme (LSHS).

 

Idris stated that the State Government through the scheme intends to increase access to quality and affordable health care service for residents stressing that the issues of quality care borders on professionalism and ethical standards. He opined that the success of the scheme lies in professionalism exhibited by all involved in the provision of health services including the nurses.

The Commissioner while noting that LSHS scheme is expected to be a catalyst for the Lagos State health reform urged nurses to use the Nurses Assembly as platform for interactions on strategic planning for new perspectives on the necessary prerequisite of profession.

Earlier in her remark, the Director Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare stated that nurse’s professional values are acquired during socialization into nursing from codes of ethics, nursing experiences, tutors or lecturers and peers.

She added four important values expected of a professional nurse include; strong commitment to service, belief in the dignity and worth of each person, commitment to education and professional autonomy.

“The global world we are in is changing rapidly, nothing seems to be permanent for long and so professionals especially within the health team should keep striving to be at their best to meet the dynamic health needs of the society”, she opined.