GANTA, Nimba – Last weekend, nurses in Nimba joined their colleagues in Liberia and throughout the world to celebrate International Nurses Day.

This year’s celebration was observed under the theme selected by the International Council of Nurses, “Nurses are forces for change: care effective, cost effective.”

Photo: Arrington Ballah

The day is officially celebrated annually around the world on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing.

The Nurses Association in Nimba staged the program last weekend instead of the official celebration day as it was more convenient to hold it on the weekend. The program was also intended to generate funds for the purchase of a 5kVA generator to be used by student nurses at the Ganta Nursing College.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jacob Lawuobasumo, a Nurse Instructor, expressed frustration over the unethical practices exhibited by some nurses as they carry out their duties. He said these unethical practices include an improper approach to patients, spending time on cell phones instead of caring for their patients, indecent dressing, and administering the wrong treatment to patients.

Photo: Arrington Ballah

Lawuobasumo said these unethical practices were contributing to the high death rate of patients at health institutions in Liberia.

He called on nurses and other health workers in the country to have a sober reflection of those compassionate services rendered by the legendary Florence Nightingale.

Lawuobasumo also used the occasion to challenge all nurses across the country to remain united as they engage the government for better wages. The base salary for an average nurse in Liberia is between US$200-300.

Featured image courtesy of UNMEER