DEPUTY HEALTH MINISTER URGES EMERGING NURSES AT BCTC TO UPHOLD ETHICAL STANDARDS
By: Matalay Kollie
BONG: The Health Sciences Department of the Bong County Technical College has capped and badged 149 nursing students. The occasion marked the 3rd Capping, Badging, and Strapping Program for the department since it was included in the college’s curriculum.
At the occasion, deputy Health Minister Martha C. T. Morris delivered the keynote address and called on the emerging nurses to uphold ethical standards in their professional journey. Madam Morris described ethics as universal rules of conduct that help identify valued actions, intentions, and motivations.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of understanding and adhering to the rules and standards guiding the nursing profession, especially in a leeward country like Liberia. She also used the medium to encourage the nursing students to care for their patients and perform their duties diligently, regardless of conditions or monetary value. Madam Morris, who spoke on the theme: “What’s Your Desire?”, emphasized the significance of professional ethics, adding that ethical principles apply universally.
At the same time, Madam Morris encouraged the soon-to-be nurses to exhibit a competitive mindset and demonstrate their dedication to serving the general populace. Madam Morris further explained that the caps and badges the students received symbolize the trust society places in them; as such, the knowledge they have acquired will serve as a testament to their compassion for the profession.
Meanwhile, Madam Morris used the occasion and urged the administration of Bong County Technical College BCTC, to integrate technology into the nursing curriculum. She stressed that doing so will add more value to the prospective healthcare workers. Sharing observations from a recent visit to Kenya, she noted that many nurses today lack computer literacy and encouraged students to begin doing all their assignments on computers to avoid starting from scratch upon graduation.
Madam Morris urged both graduates and the administration to adopt necessary changes that will enhance the healthcare delivery system of Liberia. She also encouraged everyone present at the occasion to reflect on their desires and the impact they want to make in their communities.
The deputy Health minister at the same time congratulated the newly inducted students, urging them to embrace their journey with open hearts and minds, and reminding them that Liberia and the world need their passion, skills, and commitment to making a difference. The ceremony was held recently at the David Kuyon Sports Stadium in Gbarnga, Bong County.
