Review Article
Year: 2017 | Month: September | Volume: 7 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 272-281
Nursing Internship Program in Nigeria: A Review of Evidence Based Strategies for Implementation
Okoye Helen Uche, Madu Obiageli, Chikeme Paulina
Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus
Corresponding Author: Okoye Helen Uche
ABSTRACT
Internship for graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing Science degree program and improving nursing practice in Nigeria have taken the centre stage in most nursing discourse in the past few years. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria initiated and implemented a number of reforms in nursing education including the commencement of the Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree Program in many universities in Nigeria. However the graduates of the program have not been exposed to any form of internship as is the case with other health professions in Nigeria. Consequently, new graduate nurses over the years have been employed in health institutions inadequately prepared for efficient nursing practice. It is well documented that internships assist new graduates to practice the skills they have learnt in school which enables them to build solid professional career. It is in consideration of the huge benefits of nursing internship that a formal approval was given by the Government of Nigeria for twelve months paid public service internship program for new graduate nurses in September, 2016. Approval of internship in university nursing education in Nigeria is apt and in line with global best practices and standards. Now that the internship has been approved, understanding the expectations, specific roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders will serve as catalysts for its successful implementation and sustenance. The paper examines a number of evidence based strategies that will enhance the implementation of the nursing internship program in Nigeria and makes recommendations on the way forward.
Key words: Nursing Internship, New Graduate Nurses, Strategies, Evidence based, Implementation, Stakeholders