As the world celebrates the International Nurses’ week, join me in recognizing and congratulating all nurses at national and international level. In the same spirit let us light a candle for the departed nurses in memory of their good deeds and services. (May they rest in peace).
Todate, Nurses are well equipped with comprehensive skills and broad expertise to work in rural health centres and hospital settings. A well-educated and confident Nurse/Midwife, particularly those working in rural settings help communities through knowledge sharing and education on related health challenges. Nurses play a pivotal role towards ensuring health communities and attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3).
About Nursing Department at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
After obtaining a grant from Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), the Faculty of Medicine began working with University of Hull and Hull Royal Infirmary (UK) to prepare for establishment of Bachelor of Nursing Sciences at MUST. 1999 the Department of Nursing officially started operating with Bachelor of Nursing Programme and enrolled 5 students in the first intake.
In 2001, the Nursing Department commenced a two-year taught Master of Nursing programme and in 2002, the bridging programme (Bachelor of Nursing Completion) for nurses holding certificate and diploma level studies was started.
The aim of Nursing Department is to strengthen the learning quality of comprehensive nursing studies and specialities.
The Nursing Department objectives include;
- To achieve the initial and long-term objectives set to provide infrastructure, expertise and processes that underpin the development.
- To promote excellence in academic scholars and professional development
- To provide sustainable, quality assured education pathways in order to enhance healthcare provision in Uganda
Vision and Mission
Vision
A Centre of excellence in nursing Science education, research and community service.
Mission
To train Nurses with competences that meet the diverse and dynamic needs of the community at National and International level
Our Mandate at MUST
To provide comprehensive training to bridge the gap of current health challenges. This can achieved through the 5 arms of Nursing as shown below:
- Clinical practice
- Nursing Education
- Nursing research
- Nursing leadership and Management
- Community engagement
Allow me to celebrate and congratulate our Notable Alumni who have gone through our training in the Nursing Department and are now making a contribution in the health care both at a National and International level.
| Name | Country | Current position | Obligation |
| Dr. Mutumba Massy | USA | Senior. Lecturer/ Nurse researcher | Linked Nursing Department with MGH collaboration |
| Muwema Mercy | Uganda /Kampala | Director, Quality Assurance of Uganda National Nurses &Midwives Council | Professional Nursing Quality control |
| Taban Charles | South Sudan | Medical doctor | |
| Wankiri Moses | Uganda/ Kampala | Senior. Lecturer/ Aga Khan University | Training, Research, Mentor |
| Dr. Muwanguzi Patience | Uganda/ Kampala | Senior. Lecturer/ Makerere University | Training, Research. Mentor |
| Ankunda Racheal | Uganda/ Kampala | Lecturer /Makerere | Training, Research, mentor |
As we celebrate Nursing week, the following definitions of Nursing are acceptable at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
“Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well, and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management and education are also key nursing roles.”(International Council of Nurses 2002)
“The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge and to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible. This aspect of her work she initiates and controls; of this she is master. In addition, she helps the patient to carry out the therapeutic plan as initiated by the physician.” Henderson 1960).
MUST will forever remain indebted to all nurses at National and International level.
Happy International Nursing week!
Succeed we MUST.