Today is International Nurses’ day and there is a group of nurses that are dear and close to the community and these are Nigerian nurses. In the global village, it will be difficult to go to any major country in the world without the presence of Nigerian nurses. In England, USA, Ireland and so many other countries around the world, it will be an unusual not to see Nigerian nurses. They are literally ubiquitous around the world and one can safely say that the medical institutions in many countries are built on the contributions and care providing of Nigerian nurses. Many hospitals in Britain and USA will literally close down without the presence and participations of Nigerian nurses.
Nursing is important in the medical world and nurses are indispensable in maintaining and running hospitals efficiently. “Nurses have a critical role to play in Primary Health Care delivery, often being the first – and only – health professional a patient will see. They contribute to research, disease prevention, treating the injured, administering palliative care, and more. They are the true unsung heroes on the front lines of disease prevention and care.”
Now Female and Male Nurses:
There used to be a time when nursing was mostly female profession. But that time have come and gone. This time around males are fast jumping into the profession and competing with their female counterparts in the profession. In some families, especially in Nigerian American community, it is now common to see both husbands and wives in nursing profession. Even in some cases, men are the ones that are rushing to the profession because of its pay and job security.
“Most among the Nigerian immigrants pursue nursing. Why nursing? There is a high demand in the US for health care workers, especially nurses. In addition, many were already nurses in Nigeria. These applicants may even win positions over those who were doctors back in Nigeria.
Another draw is the reasonably high pay. Nursing salaries range anywhere from $46,000 to over $96,000 per year and the median is around $67,000 per year. Of course, these salaries vary depending on the level of education and the state that you practice.
Nursing provides a field in which people can fall back, make a comfortable living, and still have opportunities to further their education. People who come to the US from Nigeria may have also wanted to study nursing all along. It is easier and less competitive to get into nursing schools in the US due to the high cost of education here. Some immigrants are more willing to pay the high cost than American students to pursue a degree with the availability of school loans.” But they are handsomely rewarded after graduation provided that they are will to do the demanding hours of the profession.
On this International Nurse’s Day; the world must come to recognize the importance of the nursing profession and its tremendous contribution to the well beings of our society. Let’s honor them and say happy Nurses’ day. Bravo!
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