Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, Senior Health Reporter
NURSES should always uphold their pledge of service and work towards restoring the physical and mental well-being of their patients regardless of challenges they may face, especially during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was said by renowned midwifery and nursing lecturer Dr Judith Chamisa during the Solusi University graduation ceremony held at Mpilo Central Hospital after the completion of a three-year post graduate degree in nursing.
The nurses make the first class to complete the degree which specialises in medicine and surgery.
Their pinning ceremony precedes the university’s 25th graduation programme which has been scheduled for Sunday.
Dr Chamisa said nurses should always remember the key role they play in the healthcare services and diligently work towards fulfilling their pledge.
“We are here to witness a pinning ceremony, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe as nurses are usually given certificates and just deployed without such a ceremony. I therefore, encourage all nurses in the country to remember where they are coming from and to be true to their duty which is essential in saving lives,” she said.
“Nurses, as spelt out in the pledge, should put the lives of their patients first and never tire in offering help and care to the sick as this right attitude has an impact even on their mental well-being.”
She encouraged the class to use the skills acquired to help Government address healthcare challenges faced in the country.
“We are not specialists and doctors but we know that the work we have in wards, clinics and communities cannot be replaced. We have heard of nurses that abuse drugs and neglect patients but we are confident that these nurses will continue saving lives, restoring the well-being of our communities even during these tough Covid-19 times despite whatever challenges that comes their way,” added Dr Chamisa.
Solusi University registrar Mrs Thembekile Musosvi said although the main graduation ceremony will be virtual, the nurses had shown a dedication in their work hence their separate pinning ceremony.
“We are having our 26th graduation ceremony on Sunday where 398 of our students will be conferred with certificates and degrees. We are however, grateful to Mpilo Central Hospital for hosting this class as lessons were conducted here and for all the support they have rendered to all our nursing students,” she said. — @thamamoe
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter