GMA Advocates for Degree-Level Nursing Education
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has proposed the cancellation of certificate and diploma nursing programs, advocating for degree-level education to enhance the qualifications and professionalism of the nursing workforce in Ghana.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has proposed the cancellation of certificate and diploma nursing programs, advocating for the elevation of all nursing education to the degree level. This significant shift aims to address the challenges in the country’s healthcare sector by ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce.
Prof. Ernest Yorke, Vice President of the GMA, revealed this decision during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, describing the current system as "bizarre." He stressed the perplexity of having three different levels of entry into the nursing and midwifery profession and highlighted the current dominance of auxiliary nurses, who constitute almost 60% of the workforce.
“We think that the majority must be degree-prepared,” Yorke stated, emphasizing the need for a more skilled nursing population.
Prof. Yorke further elaborated on the proposal by drawing comparisons with Nigeria, where registered nurses and midwives must hold a first degree. He argued that Ghana has the necessary resources and educational institutions to implement similar standards. "We have the human resources and the schools so we can do that," he affirmed.
Yorke explained that the predominance of auxiliary nurses needs to be addressed by enhancing their qualifications. "The diploma and degree-trained nurses and midwives are professional nurses," he noted. Preparing all nurses at the baccalaureate level, Yorke believes, will significantly improve maternal health indicators, supported by research on the effectiveness of a highly skilled nursing workforce.
He reassured that current certificate and diploma holders would not be left behind. "If we cancel the training of diploma and certificate, we can upgrade the knowledge of those who are here," Yorke explained, mentioning that there are already courses available to help nurses and midwives upgrade their skills to the degree level.
The GMA's proposal represents a bold move towards elevating the standards of nursing education in Ghana, aiming to create a more competent and professional healthcare system.
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