Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE government has reaffirmed its commitment towards the welfare of nurses as they play an important role in the health and well-being of the nation.
This came at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare where 223 nurses graduated this Friday.
Among the graduands were 137 registered general nurses, six operating theatre nurses, five intensive and coronary care nurses, nine paediatric nurses and 66 midwives.
“Growing up, I have always wanted to be a nurse and now I am happy that my dream has been fulfilled as you can see I have graduated. I love taking care of sick people and there is always a certain joy which comes from nursing a person back to health,” said a nurse.
“It has been eight years since I graduated as a registered general nurse, I don’t regret my choice of career. I have even gone further and I am now a midwife. Nothing beats bringing a new baby to this world, it’s fulfilling,” said another.
“It has been a long three years but am glad that I have reached this stage and am ready to work in our county’s hospitals,” said a nurse.
Minister of Health and Childcare Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who was guest of honour at the graduation ceremony commended nurses for the incredible work they are doing.
“It is a well-known fact that at any health institution, the first medical professional who attends to patients and clients is the nurse. It is therefore very important that these cadres be well-equipped with the knowledge and adequate skills to ensure that we have a healthy nation. I am also pleased to inform you that the government is aware of the critical role nurses play in our health delivery system, all over the country, especially given the challenges of shortages of resources, the emerging new diseases and the upsurge of con-communicable diseases which are being treated in our health institutions countrywide,” said Dr Mombeshora.
Sally Mugabe Central Hospital runs midwifery, registered general nurses, intensive and coronary care nurses, operating theatre nurses and an advanced diploma in neonatal intensive and paediatric care nurses programmes.
