Nursing Graduates Urged to Uphold Professional Standards, Seek Jobs Beyond Government

Nursing Graduates Urged to Uphold Professional Standards, Seek Jobs Beyond Government

Four hundred and thirty-two nursing and midwifery graduates have been urged to uphold professional standards, prioritise quality patient care and explore employment opportunities beyond government institutions.

Four hundred and thirty-two nursing and midwifery graduates have been challenged to uphold professionalism, prioritise quality patient care and explore opportunities beyond waiting for government employment.

The graduates received certificates during the fourth graduation ceremony of Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery, attended by government leaders, parents, stakeholders and other guests.

Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Sports and chief guest, told the graduates that nursing and midwifery are professions that demand commitment, accuracy and responsibility because mistakes can have serious consequences for patients.

Ogwang urged the graduates to take their training seriously and maintain high professional standards throughout their careers, dismissing what he described as misconceptions in communities that portray nursing and midwifery as professions for failures.

“This profession is not for failures,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of quality in healthcare, urging the graduates not to compromise professional standards in their work.

“In this profession there are no errors,” Ogwang said.

He also challenged parents to continue investing in their children’s education and urged the graduates to embrace sacrifice and avoid becoming comfortable after completing their training.

“Parents here, don't stop to invest in your children. I challenge you, dear graduand, in life you have to sacrifice. Don't be comfortable,” he said.

Ogwang encouraged the graduates to leave their comfort zones, continue pursuing higher goals and explore available opportunities instead of remaining at home waiting for government jobs.

During the ceremony, Ogwang commissioned a new classroom block and a 70-seater bus for the institution.

The new facilities are expected to improve the college’s learning environment and transportation as it continues training health workers.

However, the college still faces challenges that could affect its operations and expansion.

The institution’s principal, Wilber Tukamuhabwa, said the college is facing water shortages and needs a standby generator and additional accommodation, including a hostel for female students.

Tukamuhabwa also raised concern over understaffing, saying the institution has a significant human resource gap that affects its ability to operate effectively.

“This leads to a staffing gap of 73 percent, and we therefore request for this so that we are able to run the institution properly,” he said.

He, however, noted that the available staff are well trained, with several undertaking further academic upgrading to strengthen the institution’s academic performance.

In response, Ogwang said the concerns raised by the college would be addressed and prioritised, particularly the challenges of water supply and human resources.

The college also commended Mama Janet for what officials described as her continued support to the institution, alongside the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their contribution to its development.