Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
THE inaugural class at the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing has begun clinical attachments at four major referral hospitals across the country, with the institution set to increase enrolment for its September intake after receiving an overwhelming response from prospective students.
The school admitted its pioneer class in May this year. The attachments will give the trainee nurses an opportunity to translate classroom learning into practical experience under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals, an essential component of their training.
Student nurse Miss Thelma Chipeza described the attachments as an exciting milestone in their professional journey.
“We have learnt a great deal in class over the past three months, and we are now looking forward to applying that knowledge in real hospital environments,” she said.
“This experience will strengthen our practical skills, build our confidence and prepare us to provide quality healthcare to patients.”
Fellow student Mr Tafadzwa Mukungunugwa said being part of the institution’s inaugural class came with both pride and responsibility.
“We are eager to learn from experienced healthcare professionals and gain a deeper appreciation of patient care,” he said.
“We are grateful to our lecturers for preparing us well, and we are determined to represent our institution with discipline, professionalism and compassion.”
Head of the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing Ms Peggy Dube said the institution had successfully completed its first semester and clinical attachment was a critical stage in producing competent nurses.
“Our pioneer class has performed well and clinical attachment is an important bridge between classroom learning and practical experience,” she said.
“As we prepare for our second intake, we now have the infrastructure, equipment and personnel to accommodate double the number of students, subject to Government approval.”
The institution’s patron, Mr Jimayi Muduvuri, said the school demonstrated the important role the private sector could play in complementing Government efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
He said the overwhelming response from prospective students had prompted plans to increase enrolment for the September intake, subject to Government approval.
“This response reflects the confidence Zimbabweans have placed in this institution to train competent healthcare professionals,” he said.
“We believe in the philosophy, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, where every Zimbabwean has a role to play in building a stronger and more prosperous nation.”
The school expects the pioneer students to complete their clinical attachments before returning for the next phase of their training as it gears up for an expanded September intake.
