Despite nursing’s vital role in healthcare service delivery, it often does not get its due credit and acknowledgment. Hence, the International Nurses Day, celeberated every May 12, to remind the world of the value of nurses.
The official theme for International Nurses’ Day in 2024, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future,’ specifically highlights the economic power of care, and for diabetes solutions companies like Roche Diabetes Care (RDC), the contribution nurses make to patients is undeniable, particularly in Africa.
In this context, RDC has launched the ‘Nurses on Diabetes’ (NOD) online course to help address the gaps.
In Africa, where healthcare resources are limited, nurses are the front line for patients managing diabetes. The Roche NOD online course is geared at overcoming barriers to healthcare education to bolster healthcare’s first line of defense. The programme goes beyond clinical education, incorporating coaching elements to promote a holistic approach to diabetes management.
Dorcas Daniel Kajang, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, at Federal Medical Centre, Nigeria (Abuja) says, “NOD has expanded my knowledge and strengthened my understanding of the recent studies done on Diabetes. The diabetes training has afforded me the opportunity to relearn and unlearn and has equipped me to deliver high-quality nursing services that meet international best practices regarding caring for clients with diabetes.
“For example, a 15-year-old boy was recently rushed into the ICU in our hospital facility. He was unconscious with a GCS of 5T/15 and in obvious respiratory distress. He was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilatory support and a multi-parameter monitor.
“He was swiftly placed on a Correctional scale with soluble insulin and his vital signs were closely monitored. My training equipped me to respond timeously and save a young life.”
Currently operational in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and India, the NOD programme embodies Roche’s commitment to empower nurses. According to Roche representatives, upskilling nurses will be instrumental in addressing widespread barriers to care. Nwankwo Joy Chioma, Assistant Director of Nursing Service at Federal Medical Center Nigeria (Abuja), explains some of NOD’s impact to date.
“Nurses who have participated in the NOD programme thus far have acquired valuable skills and knowledge regarding the management of diabetic patients.” said Nwankwo.
“Nurses are taught to easily observe the signs and symptoms of diabetes in patients that access care in our facility – especially those working in the emergency unit, medical and surgical wards.
“Nurses can now efficiently study and analyse patients’ laboratory results and categorise patients according to the stage of the disease. The knowledge acquired from the NOD programme has also enabled the nurses to engage in meaningful discussions with other healthcare providers. This has translated to making accurate diagnosis and implementing more comprehensive treatment plans for patients.”
Speaking, Susan Snell, Area Head IMEA 3, Roche Diabetes Care, said: “Nursing training solutions are for everyone, as they have far-reaching benefits – to patients, the economy, and society at large.”
On International Nurses’ Day, Roche Diabetes Care urges stakeholders, including governments, healthcare organisations, and philanthropic entities, to recognise the importance of investing in nurse education and to support initiatives like NOD to improve diabetes care across Africa.