PNG Nursing Graduates Told to Raise Standards in Health Service

PNG’s health sector will depend heavily on young professionals who are prepared to serve with discipline, commitment and care, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said during the graduation ceremony of East Sepik College of Nursing in Wewak yesterday.

A total of 21 students graduated with Diplomas in General Nursing during the college’s fifth graduation ceremony held at Boram Dental Square. Family members, health officials and invited guests gathered to witness the milestone achievement for the graduates and the nursing institution.

Governor Bird reminded the graduates that they were entering a profession that carries huge responsibility and urged them to become examples in their workplaces instead of following poor practices that already exist in the system.

Mr Bird reflected on the difficult journey to revive the East Sepik College of Nursing, saying the institution had once struggled because of corruption and administrative problems. As former chairman of the board that led the college’s restoration, he told graduates they were now enjoying the results of years of hard work and sacrifice.
He challenged the graduating class to value integrity and professionalism when dealing with patients and fellow health workers.
PNG Nursing Council Registrar Romana Kwaisombi also addressed the ceremony and spoke strongly about professional conduct in the nursing field.
Ms Kwaisombi said graduating from nursing school alone does not allow a person to practise professionally and reminded students that they must obtain proper licensing before entering the workforce.
She also acknowledged the progress made by the college over recent years and noted that this was her first time attending a graduation ceremony at the East Sepik College of Nursing as a representative of the PNG Nursing Council.
Since reopening in 2019, the college has produced 134 nurses with Diplomas in General Nursing, contributing to the growing need for trained health workers across the country.
“This graduation confirms the completion of your academic pathway but it does not constitute practicing nursing. You must practice with license,” Ms Kwaisombi said.

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