The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of Ghana has reminded nurses and midwives to remain within the boundaries of their professional roles and strictly adhere to their job descriptions.
According to the Council, some practitioners occasionally assume the duties of other healthcare professionals, an action that carries potential legal consequences.
Delivering the advice at the launch of Nurses Week in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Officer of the NMC, Ms. Pascalina Anupio Ayirezang, emphasized the importance of professionalism.
“Know your limitations, and do away with needless issues,” she told participants.
The launch, organized by the Bolgatanga Municipal branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), was held on the theme: “Nurses and Midwives, Our Future: Caring for Nurses and Midwives Strengthens Economies.” It brought together GRNMA leaders at both regional and municipal levels, officials of the Municipal Health Directorate, and members of the Association.
Ms. Ayirezang reminded nurses and midwives that while compassion, care, and kindness remain central to their professions, they must always operate within the scope of their duties. She urged them to serve humanity with professionalism, while being conscious of their limitations to ensure effective and safe healthcare delivery.
She further noted that although the GRNMA often provides support to members facing legal and other professional challenges, the psychological toll on individuals caught in such situations is usually severe.
Encouraging unity among colleagues, she advised against dismissive attitudes in professional settings. “Let us advise ourselves, support each other, and stop working against ourselves,” she urged, cautioning members to replace unkind remarks with mutual respect and solidarity.
On the issue of recent reports of alleged assaults on nurses at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), Ms. Ayirezang encouraged nurses and midwives not to be discouraged but to remain focused and professional.
She also cautioned against careless use of social media, reminding members that online posts have lasting consequences. “Social media does not forget, and whatever you post will come back to you. Let us be mindful of our posts and comments,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate, Mr. Louis Tindan, a Principal Nursing Officer, acknowledged the crucial role nurses and midwives play in Ghana’s healthcare system. He urged them to take their work seriously and called for stronger integration of research and digital skills into their practice.
Mr. Tindan observed that while many nurses and midwives excel in clinical knowledge, some lag behind in digital literacy at a time when technology is rapidly shaping healthcare. He therefore appealed to the GRNMA leadership to prioritize digital skills training and provide the necessary support to equip members for the modern healthcare environment.
