Nurses and midwives receive certificates after successfully completing new course |13 October 2023
A group of 21 nurses and midwives who have successfully completed their training at the Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education (SITE) on assessment and reporting on students’ learning have received their certificates, transcripts and attestations.
The training sessions for this group was jointly organised by the Seychelles Nurses and Midwives Council (SNMC), SITE and National Institute for Health and Social Studies (NIHSS).
The aim of the training was to equip the nurses and midwives with the knowledge and skills for the preparation, administration, marking and evaluation of licence examinations in nursing and midwifery, which will be introduced as a new regulatory element.
Certificates were presented to these individuals in a short ceremony held yesterday at SITE in the presence of the principal secretary for education services Merna Eulentin; Commissioner of Public Health Services, Dr Jude Gedeon; SNMC chairperson Lina Philoe and its registrar, Winifred Agricole; NIHSS director, Ebrahim Ali; acting director of SITE, Mavis Lespoir and other invitees.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Agricole pointed out that the main purpose of the licence exam is to test out the competencies of the entry level of registered nurses and midwives, ensuring fitness to practice and public safety.
“The council’s mandate is to ensure public safety and this is reflected through the competence of its practitioners in the provision of care,” she added.
Mrs Agricole said the council recognised the need to work towards the reintroduction of licence examinations in 2016, so as to improve the credibility of nursing and midwifery registration.
With the shift in nursing education, the council has to ensure these professionals engage in appropriate modules and function competently as registered nurses and midwives, she added.
“The licence examinations will play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of nursing and midwifery education and practice in Seychelles as the council is committed to upholding the highest standards in healthcare delivery.”
She added that with the evolution of nursing education worldwide, the SNMC will remain vigilant in its efforts to ensure that only competent and qualified individuals practise nursing and midwifery.
“Through this continuous collaboration, we are confident that our goal to improve the quality of care will be achieved.”
On her part, Mrs Lespoir said both SITE and NIHSS are committed to supporting the council in its regulatory obligations for nurses and midwives in Seychelles.
“We firmly believe that education and training is the cornerstone of progress, and this is a testament to our commitment to providing high quality service delivery to those who aspire to practise, learn and grow in the field of nursing and midwifery,” she added.
“As we stand on this threshold, we extend a warm invitation to other institutions and companies who share our vision. Let us forge new partnerships, seek opportunities, and work together to elevate the standards of not just healthcare education and practice but other standards as well.”
On behalf of his colleagues, Trevor Pouponeau expressed a few words of thanks to the council, SITE and NIHSS, lecturer and all partners who had a vital role to play in this great achievement.
Mandy Bertin
Photo by Louis Toussaint