New scheme of service for nurses in nigeria
The Nigerian Nursing Council (NNC) has introduced a new scheme of service for nurses in Nigeria, which is designed to improve the quality of nursing care and enhance the professional development of nurses. The scheme is based on the following principles:
- Career Progression: The scheme provides a clear career progression path for nurses, with opportunities for advancement and specialization.
- Continuing Professional Development: The scheme emphasizes the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) for nurses, with a requirement for nurses to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD every two years.
- Specialization: The scheme recognizes the importance of specialization in nursing and provides opportunities for nurses to specialize in various areas of nursing practice.
- Leadership and Management: The scheme encourages nurses to take on leadership and management roles, with opportunities for nurses to pursue advanced degrees and certifications in nursing leadership and management.
- Research and Innovation: The scheme encourages nurses to engage in research and innovation, with opportunities for nurses to participate in research projects and develop new nursing practices.
The new scheme of service for nurses in Nigeria is structured into the following categories:
Category A: Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Entry-level nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree or its equivalent.
- Responsible for providing direct patient care and participating in ward rounds.
Category B: Senior Registered Nurses (SRNs)
- Nurses who have at least 2 years of post-qualification experience and have completed a Master's degree in Nursing or its equivalent.
- Responsible for supervising junior nurses, participating in ward rounds, and providing guidance and mentorship to junior nurses.
Category C: Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Nurses who have at least 5 years of post-qualification experience and have completed a Master's degree in Nursing or its equivalent.
- Responsible for providing autonomous nursing care, prescribing medications, and ordering diagnostic tests.
Category D: Nurse Specialists (NSs)
- Nurses who have at least 10 years of post-qualification experience and have completed a Master's degree in Nursing or its equivalent.
- Responsible for providing specialized nursing care in a specific area of nursing practice, such as cardiology, oncology, or pediatrics.
Category E: Nurse Educators (NEs)
- Nurses who have at least 10 years of post-qualification experience and have completed a Master's degree in Nursing Education or its equivalent.
- Responsible for teaching and mentoring students in nursing schools and providing continuing education programs for nurses.
Category F: Nurse Administrators (NAs)
- Nurses who have at least 15 years of post-qualification experience and have completed a Master's degree in Nursing Administration or its equivalent.
- Responsible for managing nursing services, developing nursing policies and procedures, and providing leadership and guidance to nursing staff.
The new scheme of service for nurses in Nigeria is designed to improve the quality of nursing care, enhance the professional development of nurses, and promote career advancement opportunities for nurses.