….Says Japa affecting training of nurses

By Adesina Wahab

Professor Prisca Olabisi Adejumo of the College of Medicine University of  Ibadan holds a B.sc in Nursing, two master’s degrees in Medical Surgical Nursing and Medical Sociology as well as two doctorate degrees in Nursing and Medical Sociology from the University of Ibadan as well as advanced educational training from the Centre for Nursing Classification, University of Iowa United States of America.

In this interview, the 2022  winner of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau Hall of Fame Award in Edinburg, Scotland, speaks about her career trajectory which started from the hospital ward to the classroom; where she rose from Assistant Lecturer to a Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing and her research into Genetic Counselling. Excerpts:

 Can you tell us about your journey from nursing training to becoming a professor of medical-surgical nursing?

The journey started with a strong desire to become a nurse right from form 2, as I used to see some nurses who came from abroad to visit their parents in my neighbourhood.

I loved uniformed services and also wanted to be an air hostess, but my father discouraged me saying if the plane crashed, everyone would die. He encouraged me to study engineering for the reasons best known to him.

Young people should make up their minds early regarding the course of their choice and be prepared to pay the price. Parents should also guide their children along the paths of their academic ability, personal interest and desire to avoid conflicts of interest and allow them to make their career choices of course with their guidance.

This will go a long way to prevent young people from studying hard with serious investment only to opt out of such to others later. With this strong desire of mine, I pursued it with all my energy and life as I went from boarding school using my Form Four results for admission. This was because my father never liked nursing for me as a career. I finished with flying colours and proceeded to the university for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Thank God for his special grace that saw me through. Upon graduation, I was persuaded by mentors to join academia, eventually becoming a professor through divine guidance and support from mentors and colleagues. This journey underscores the importance of following one’s passion, parental guidance, and mentorship in achieving career success.

Your research has focused extensively on HIV/AIDS and impaired skin integrity for wound care. What inspired you to delve into these areas of study?

My research on HIV/AIDS and impaired skin integrity for wound care is motivated by several factors such as clinical experience as my nursing background exposed me to the profound impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, leading me to witness the complex healthcare needs associated with the disease. Another reason is because of public health impact. Recognizing HIV/AIDS as a global health challenge, particularly in Nigeria, I was driven to contribute to evidence-based interventions that enhanced care and outcomes for affected individuals. I was once involved in a project where we were able to conduct voluntary confidential testing and the outcome in that population was alarming. By focusing on research in this area, I aimed to address disparities in healthcare access and promote equity, especially for vulnerable populations affected by HIV/AIDS.

Overall, my research endeavours seek to advance knowledge, evidence-based practice, and innovation in HIV/AIDS care and wound management, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for affected individuals, and I am happy I was part of various success stories.

You’ve been involved in cancer genetics and genetic counselling research in Nigeria, how do you see the role of nursing evolving in this field?

Nursing’s role in cancer genetics and genetic counselling is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in genomic medicine and personalised cancer care. Nurses are pivotal in various aspects, including risk assessment, genetic testing, counselling, education, and support for those affected by hereditary cancer syndromes. They identify at-risk individuals, provide crucial support during genetic testing, coordinate care, advocate for patients’ rights, contribute to research, engage in community outreach, and integrate genomics into nursing education. Overall, nursing’s contribution ensures personalized care, improved outcomes, and enhanced support for those with hereditary cancer risk. With the support of one of my mentors, I have trained nurses in the following states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and even in Cameroon as well as other healthcare practitioners in cancer genetic counselling and this is still evolving. 

As the founder of the Focusing on Young Nurses Initiative (FYNI), what initiatives have you undertaken to empower young nurses, and what outcomes have you observed?

The  Focusing Young Nurses Initiative (FYNI), founded by me, implements various initiatives to empower and support young nurses’ professional development. These include mentorship programmes, professional development workshops, educational scholarships, career counselling, leadership opportunities, networking events, and community outreach programmes. These initiatives aim to increase young nurses’ confidence, enhance their skills and knowledge, expand career opportunities, improve retention rates, strengthen community bonds, and advocate for nursing issues. The outcomes observed include increased self-efficacy, improved clinical skills, expanded career prospects, higher job satisfaction, enhanced community engagement, and positive impacts on patient care. FYNI strives to create a nurturing environment for young nurses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession.

You’ve been actively involved in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN). Could you discuss your contributions to nursing education and regulation at both national and regional levels?

Active participation in nursing regulation and education at both national and regional levels has been a cornerstone of my career. This involvement includes contributing to policy development, curriculum review, and accreditation processes. As a certified accreditor, I’ve conducted evaluations to ensure programme quality. Additionally, I pioneered the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme, promoting ongoing competency among nurses. Encouraging research and evidence-based practice has been a priority, fostering advancement in nursing education and regulation. Overall, this commitment reflects a dedication to enhancing the nursing profession and improving healthcare outcomes.

In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges facing nursing education and practice in Nigeria today, and how do you propose addressing them?

Several pressing challenges facing nursing education and practice in Nigeria today include: Shortage of Qualified Faculty. There is a shortage of qualified nursing faculty in Nigeria, which limits the capacity of nursing schools to train new nurses and deliver high-quality education. This shortage is exacerbated by factors such as low salaries, limited career advancement opportunities, and brain drain as experienced nurses seek better opportunities abroad. Another challenge is  inadequate infrastructure and resources. Many nursing schools in Nigeria lack adequate infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, and clinical training facilities. Additionally, there is a shortage of essential resources such as textbooks, medical equipment, and technology, hindering students’ learning experiences and preparedness for clinical practice. The quality of clinical training for nursing students in Nigeria varies widely, with some students receiving inadequate supervision and exposure to clinical settings. Limited access to clinical placements, insufficient preceptorship programmes, and outdated clinical practices contribute to gaps in students’ clinical competencies and readiness for practice. Nursing retention rates in Nigeria are relatively low, with many nurses leaving the profession due to factors such as poor working conditions, heavy workloads, inadequate compensation, and lack of professional development opportunities. Low job satisfaction among nurses contributes to workforce shortages and compromises the quality of patient care. There is a need for ongoing professional development opportunities for practicing nurses in Nigeria to enhance their clinical skills, update their knowledge, and stay abreast of advancements in healthcare practice. However, access to continuing education programmes, workshops, and conferences is limited, particularly in rural areas. To address these challenges, several strategies can be implemented such as investment in Nursing Faculty Development. Increase investment in recruiting and retaining qualified nursing faculty by offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and incentives for academic achievement. Establish mentorship and leadership development programmes to support faculty growth and advancement. Improve working conditions, compensation, and career development opportunities for nurses to enhance job satisfaction and retention rates. Implement strategies to reduce nurse migration, such as offering incentives for rural practice and providing opportunities for professional advancement within the country. Government  should also  expand access to continuing education programmes and professional development opportunities for practicing nurses through online platforms, workshops, and conferences. Encourage employers to invest in nurses’ ongoing learning and skill development to promote lifelong learning and enhance patient care outcomes. By addressing these challenges and implementing targeted interventions, Nigeria can strengthen nursing education and practice, improve healthcare delivery, and ultimately enhance the health and well-being of its population.

With your extensive background in academia and research, what advice do you have for aspiring nurses and nursing researchers in Nigeria and beyond?

For aspiring nurses and nursing researchers in Nigeria and beyond, I offer the following advice that they should  commit to lifelong learning. Nursing is a dynamic field with constant advancements in healthcare practices and technologies. So, they must stay curious and committed to continuous learning by pursuing further education, attending conferences, and staying updated with the latest research in nursing and related fields. Nursing research often involves analyzing complex data, evaluating evidence-based practices, and making informed decisions to improve patient outcomes. Cultivate your critical thinking skills by questioning assumptions, seeking diverse perspectives, and engaging in evidence-based practice. Also they should take advantage of opportunities to develop research skills, including courses in research methodology, statistics, and evidence-based practice. They need to familiarize themselves with different research designs, data collection methods, and analysis techniques to conduct rigorous and meaningful research studies. They should adhere to ethical principles and guidelines in the conduct of research, including respect for participants’ rights, integrity in data collection and analysis, and transparency in reporting findings. Uphold the highest standards of research ethics and integrity to ensure the trustworthiness and credibility of your research. Endeavour to share your research findings with the nursing community, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and the public through publications, presentations, and knowledge translation activities. Aim to translate research evidence into practice and policy to drive positive change in healthcare delivery and outcomes. Above all,  nursing research can be challenging, with setbacks and obstacles along the way so, cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset to overcome challenges and continue making meaningful contributions to the field of nursing research. By following these guidelines and embracing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and advocacy, aspiring nurses and nursing researchers can contribute to advancing nursing science, improving patient care, and making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.

With numerous scholarly grants and awards, including the Sigma Theta Tau Hall of Fame Award, could you share how these accolades have influenced your career trajectory?

Scholarly grants and awards offer validation and recognition of my contributions to nursing, affirming my dedication and achievements. They advance career opportunities by enhancing professional reputation and credibility, leading to collaborations and leadership roles. These accolades provide financial support for research, education, and professional development while elevating prestige and influence within the nursing community. Moreover, they inspire continued excellence and innovation in nursing practice, education, and research. Overall, these accolades significantly shape my career trajectory, fostering growth and impact in various nursing domains.

Your collaborations span globally, including fellowships and contributions to various organizations, how have these collaborations impacted your work in nursing education and practice?

Collaborations and partnerships with organisations, institutions, and fellow professionals globally have had a significant impact on my work in nursing education and practice in several ways. For instance, it allows for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practices in nursing education and practice. By learning from others’ experiences and expertise, I gain insights into innovative approaches, evidence-based interventions, and successful strategies that can be adapted and applied in my own work. It also provides me access to resources, funding opportunities, and professional development programmes that may not be available locally. Through partnerships with international organizations and institutions, I have been able to access grants, scholarships, and training opportunities that support nursing education, research, and practice initiatives. Collaborations offer opportunities to network and build relationships with professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. These professional connections facilitate collaboration on research projects, joint initiatives, and advocacy efforts that advance nursing education and practice globally. Thanks to my mentors, especially Prof. Funmi Olopade. It also enhances cultural competence and fosters a global perspective in nursing education and practice. By working with diverse teams and populations, I gain a deeper understanding of cultural nuances, healthcare practices, and health disparities that influence nursing care delivery worldwide. Overall, collaborations and partnerships play a crucial role in advancing nursing education and practice by facilitating knowledge exchange, access to resources, networking opportunities, cultural competence, capacity building, and influencing policy and practice on a global scale. By leveraging these collaborations, nursing professionals can contribute to improving healthcare delivery, promoting health equity, and addressing healthcare challenges worldwide

With over 35 years of experience in nursing across various settings, what key administrative lessons have you learned, particularly in academia and healthcare institutions?

From my extensive experience in nursing across various roles, I’ve gleaned several key administrative lessons, some of which include: Clear communication fosters trust and collaboration as well as setting clear objectives and priorities guides decision-making, how to nurture leadership talent to empower positive change,  financial management and responsible budgeting which ensures efficient resource use. Also, continuous efforts enhance patient care and safety,  adaptability and innovation as well as embracing change drives improvements. I have learnt that partnering with diverse stakeholders fosters success and also that upholding ethical standards is paramount. Applying these lessons in various healthcare institutions has enabled me to lead teams effectively and achieve notable successes, such as publishing a book during my tenure as Dean at Chrisland University.