1st Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony For The Newly Graduated Nurses Into The Nursing Profession

The Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State held her 1^st Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony for the Newly Graduated Nurses into the Nursing Profession on the 27^th October, 2022 at the University Auditorium.

The Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony was solemnly opened by the Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Professor Michael F. Diejomaoh who also gave the opening remark. The Vice-Chancellor, in his remark warmly welcomed all to this great Institution and noted that 13 graduands of 2021/2022 session were being inducted into the nursing profession. He thanked the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS-Africa who has graciously supported the University and most of the students. He also thanked the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI for constantly ensuring that the vision of the prestigious university comes to reality. He further acknowledged the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Head, Nursing Science Department

and other lecturers and Staff of the department for their effort in making today a reality. Finally, he congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to always be good ambassadors of this great university.

The Registrar/Secretary General of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubakar, in his address stressed the need for the new inductees to be ethical and professional in service delivery to their patients. He assured all that having gone through the rigorous process and meeting the standard of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the new Inductees have the competence and capacity to deliver on the job as professionals anywhere in the world. He sincerely thanked the Pro-Chancellor for making such a wise decision to bring a world-class University that is highly equipped for immersed human capacity development in Nigeria. He also stated that the inductees scored 95% – 100% in all their last three (3) professional exams and expressed confidence that PAMO University of Medical Sciences will continue to contribute immensely to the development of our dear country.

He further congratulated the graduands and urged them to use their knowledge and expertise to service the good people of Nigeria for the growth and development of our country. Finally, He inducted the newly graduated Nurses into the Nursing Profession, led them in taking the induction Oath and signing the register.

The welcome address was presented by the Ag. HOD, Department of Nursing Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Dr. John. E. Anieche RN, RNE, B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D, FWACN. The HOD in his address welcomed all to the maiden induction ceremony of the first nursing professionals of this Great Institution. “I give great thanks to the Almighty God for making this day a reality.” He said. He congratulated the graduands as he noted that nothing good comes easy but with the special grace of God Almighty, they were capable physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally to surmount the numerous challenges encountered during the just concluded programme. He thanked the Pro-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of this prestigious citadel of learning citadel for their unalloyed support to the Department which has earned the Department full accreditations by NUC and the Professional Body. He further appreciated the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Eunice. O. Osuala for her relentless effort in nurturing the Department to this level. Other academic and non-academic staff of the department

were not left out in this appreciation as it is their collective effort that yielded the fruit being plucked today.

The Ag. HOD congratulated the Registrar/Secretary General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubakar, for his dynamism in actualizing information communication technology applications in NMCN activities, especially, the recently introduced Computer Based Test in the Final Qualifying Examinations. He noted that the stress and sweat of B.N. Sc. programme usually turn into sweet and honey as the graduands leave the institution with four (4) certificates namely: Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Registered Public Health Nurse and a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree. “The joy is always overwhelming! No wonder many scramble to enroll into nursing programme all over the globe.” Finally, he reminded the new graduands on the need to act Great in their performance of duties to their clients irrespective of setting, age, race or creed. “Be an epitome of humility and service because you are wonderfully made POLYVALENT NURSES.” He concluded.

DR. (MRS.) GIFT CORNELIUS TIMIGHE, FWACN, RN, Ph.D Nursing Leadership, delivered the Induction Lecture on a topic: THE CHANGING NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PATIENTS: THE ROLE OF THE 21^ST CENTURY NURSE. The guest lecturer addressed the inductees emphasizing that the patients want to feel empathy and compassion. They want to know if they are safe. To effectively give patients the experience they deserve, they must be at the center of care delivery and nurse leaders need to ensure a culture of service excellence that elevates the patients experience. She further noted the 10 Cs, which are helpful and applicable for quality care and risk management of patients: competence, confidence, comfortable, careful attitude, compliance with protocols, checklists, courtesy, being calm and controlled, compassionate, and considerate as well as timely and appropriate communications, the same values we all strive for. “Hence the needs and expectations of the patients are the sole responsibility of the 21^st Century Nurse.” She said.

The valedictory address was delivered by the best graduating student Miss Samchisadede Glad A. of the Department of Nursing Science on behalf of the graduating students. In her address, she stated how PAMO University of Medical Sciences has imbedded in her and her colleagues an excellent impactable time management and discipline. She expressed their heart felt gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor, His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili, and his dear wife Hon. Justice Mary Odili, for not only being the vision bearer but for seeing the vision through. She further thanked His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, The Executive Governor of Rivers State for the scholarship program he established for Rivers State indigenes. She also thanked the VC, Registrar, professors, doctors, lecturers, family and loved ones for all their love and support. “Congratulations PUMS class of 2022”, she said.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI in his remark specially thanked the Guest Speaker for the speech she rendered. “You must see your patients as your employer.” He said to the inductees. The Pro-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, lavished a cash reward and other gift items to all the inductees and best graduating student(s). He promised to persuade and support the Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital to absorb all the new inductees for internship at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. He graciously offered all the inductees an automatic employment upon completion of their NYSC.

He further appreciated the Governor of Rivers State His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS-Africa whom God has used the to make it possible for most of the students to be here today. He noted that their parents also played a very important role in helping them come this far. In conclusion, he advised them thus; “Respect your parents and be good ambassadors of this great University both in character and learning.”

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Eunice. O. Osuala. She thanked the Pro-Chancellor, His Excellency, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI, saying “without whom we cannot cerebrate what we have today. This is a man who has invested so much in human capital development, provided a conducive learning environment that produced graduates that can compete globally”. She thanked the wife of the Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Justice Mary U. Peter Odili, JSC, CFR, DSGG, DSSRS for being by his side. She also acknowledged the amiable Vice Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Professor Michael F. Diejomaoh who knows how to handle every situation, no matter the challenges, he will overcome and you will see us moving. She thanked the Chief Medical Director of Rivers State Teaching Hospital for supporting the students during their clinical routines. She thanked Dr Sambo for his kind and relentless support to see that everything is successful, she appreciated the former Director Academic Planning, Professor Ngozi Odu for always being there and ensuring timely success. She acknowledged and thanked all for coming to grace this occasion.

She further appreciated the academic and non-academic staff of the Department of Nursing Science and of PAMO University for their effort in helping the students attain this height. “To the parents for always being there for them, thank you.” She said. She concluded by encouraging the new inductees to go out there and showcase the excellence of this great university in their performance and service to humanity for the good of all.