A total of 82 nurses, which includes newly graduated nurses from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and Atoifi College of Nursing in Malaita Province, have commenced their twelve (12) months Supervised Practice Program (internship) as of today.

This followed the official commencement of the 2022 Nurses internship program yesterday, Monday 20th June 2022 where the 82 nurses registered for the program.

Another 60 plus more nurses that graduated from SINU and Atoifi College will commence their internship program later this year.

During their internship, they will be assessed on their clinical performances amongst other criteria and will be introduced to various departments and programs that contribute to overall health service delivery. Only upon satisfactory completion of the internship program will they be awarded a Registered Nurse status.

Opening the internship program today, Mr. Michael Larui, National Director of Nursing (NDoN) emphasized on the important role that nurses play towards the preservation of health and healthy lifestyle.

“Nurses are at the heart of health teams, playing crucial roles in health promotion, disease prevention and treatment. As health professionals who are closest to the community, nurses have a particular role in providing community based care and supporting local efforts to promote health and prevent diseases.

“In many rural and remote communities, the only public servant available in serving the people is a nurse. Hence, nurses have a lot of impact on health service delivery”, explained Mr. Larui.

While appreciating the work of nurses, Larui also highlighted that there are issues and challenges that needs to be addressed to improve nursing care.

“Absenteeism, lateness to work, smartness at work are just some of the areas among many that needs to be worked on. This calls for strengthened leadership, motivation of nurses and ensuring nursing professionalism is maintained”, said Mr. Larui.

Source: MHMS