Government has warned the new stream of nurses against unprofessional conduct in the delivery of health care services to the public.
Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao sounded the warning when he officiated at the 4th combined graduation ceremony of 892 nurses and midwives held in Samfya.
Mr Mbao said government expects the nurses to be committed to their work as it is a noble calling.
The provincial minister challenged the graduates to work according to their vows, saying anything outside that would be meaningless and a mockery to the profession.
“As we government, we expect you to behave in an exemplary manner and prove to the world that your profession is truly a noble one,” said Mr Mbao.
He also disclosed that as government advertises for the recruitment of nurses soon, some of the graduates will be considered for employment.
“We therefore want you to embrace professionalism, as government is not going to condone any forms of unprofessionalism among civil servants,” Mr Mbao added.
The Minister also disclosed that government is working with other cooperating partners to improve the quality of training health institutions.
“Some of the measures already undertaken include improved infrastructure, and timely disbursement of grants to nursing colleges,” Mr Mbao disclosed.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) noted with concern the abrogation of the professional dress code by some practitioners.
NMCZ Registrar, Beauty Zimba added that it is unfortunate that in extreme cases, some nurses and midwives are wearing artificial nails, eyelashes, nose rings, and visible tattoos, which is against the profession’s ethics.
“This has resulted in our practitioners’ wearing uniforms that are either too short, too tight fitting or completely distorting the appearance of a professional nurse or midwife,” Ms. Zimba said. She has since warned that the council will not tolerate this unprofessional and inappropriate dress code.
Ms Zimba said this in a speech read on her behalf by NMCZ Standards and Education Officer, Beatrice Mwewa.
Earlier, Chilubi Member of Parliament, Mulenga Fube appealed to the government to consider completing the construction of hostels at the Chilubi School of Nursing.
Mr Fube noted that this will enable the institution to accommodate more students.
Meanwhile, Samfya Council Chairperson, James Kapilila expressed happiness at the hosting of the graduation ceremony at Samfya Beach, saying this will contribute to the promotion of tourism in the area.
A total of 383 registered nurses, 309 registered midwives, 190 registered public health nurses, 8 operating theatre nurses, and 2 HIV nurse practitioners graduated with diplomas.
Luapula Province Minister, Njavwa Simutowe, led other government officials from the province to witness the graduation ceremony.
Patrick Kabwe
ZANIS
