Dr. Margaret Wekem Kukeba, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), has highlighted the evolving nature of nursing practices, emphasizing shifts in work ethic, responsibility, and professional conduct over time.
Speaking on A1 Radio, she recalled that in the past, nurses were trained to uphold a strong sense of duty, knowing that their absence from work could compromise patient care due to strict patient-nurse ratios. According to her, nurses in her early years were expected to show up for their shifts regardless of their health status, fully aware of the critical role they played in the hospital. In cases of illness, they would report to the hospital, seek medical attention, and either return home or continue their duties.
“We were trained to understand that as a nurse, when you were scheduled for duty, there was a rationale behind it. You couldn’t simply decide to stay home, even if you were sick, and send someone to say, ‘I’m not well, I can’t come.’”
However, Dr. Kukeba expressed concern over a noticeable shift in attitudes among some modern nurses. She observed that an increasing number of young nurses appear less committed to their responsibilities, with some neglecting their shifts without proper notice. This, she explained, creates gaps in patient care and affects the overall quality of healthcare services. She also pointed out the lack of urgency and professionalism displayed by some nurses when handling critical situations, particularly when patients arrive at the hospital in distress.
“Now, I have senior colleagues who come to me complaining, ‘I got to the ward, and two of my staff didn’t show up,’ and it makes me restless.”
“Again, I walk into the hospital and see a critically ill patient, yet some of the young nurses are just sitting there, unconcerned. I wonder, do they truly understand that this person needs them right now?”
Reflecting on these changes, Dr. Kukeba admitted that senior nurses, including herself, might have failed in adequately socializing the new generation of nurses into understanding the significance of their roles.
“I feel that we, the senior nurses, have failed. We have not properly instilled in the younger generation an appreciation of their responsibility in the hospital. Patients come to the hospital because they have lost control over their health and believe this is where they can be helped.”
Despite these concerns, Dr. Kukeba remains optimistic about the future of nursing. She acknowledged the emergence of a new wave of nurses who are professional, responsible, and deeply aware of their role in healthcare. She expressed pride in these young professionals who take their work personally and are bringing positive change to the field.
“But let me say, all is not lost. There is a new wave, a new revolution, a new crop of nurses coming in, and I’m really proud because I can see the change. They are highly professional, conscious of their responsibilities, and take their work personally.”
She encouraged these dedicated nurses to influence their peers, fostering a renewed culture of care, professionalism, and commitment in the nursing profession.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
