The College of Health and Life Sciences of the University of Liberia on November 28, 2018, had a Tea Party and Honoring Program for prospective graduates of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Liberia.

Twenty-three candidates are poised to earn bachelor degrees in Nursing, and eight others are expecting bachelor degrees in Midwifery from the University of Liberia on December 10, 2018.

Next week’s graduation exercise is the second in the history of the University of Liberia for a batch of professionals to granted degrees in Nursing and Midwifery.

The Wednesday, November 28, 2018 program was a reaffirmation of the oath of commitment to saving lives by the trained health practitioners who earlier got diplomas in their fields some years back.

The program was marked by an array of awards to astute professionals in the fields of the nursing and midwifery sectors of Liberia.

Some of those honored for dedicated services to humanity included Mrs. Lucy Bah, honored as Midwifery Elder of the year 2017/2018 and Mrs. Marion Subah, Nursing Elder of the year 2017/2018.

Mrs. Bah got honored for thirty-two years of dedicated service in health facilities across Liberia as a midwife.

A 1986 TNIMA midwife graduate, and 2015 graduate of the African Methodist Episcopal University in the same field, Mrs. Bah lives a legacy of distinction to be emulated by younger midwives.

She is also accredited for lobbying scholarships and fellowship schemes for younger midwives to further their studies abroad and for providing training for traditional birth attendants.

In response, Mrs. Bah noted she felt honored by the recognition and added it should add impetus to the work done by all midwives across Liberia.

“Today, I feel like a fulfilled woman, and it is my joy that midwives are earning a bachelor’s degree in Liberia. It’s a dream come true, and to all midwives out there, take pride in the work you do and do it honestly”, she enthused.

Mrs. Bah also decried that the lack of career ladder in the profession made some midwives to switch career over the years.

She said the partnership with the University of Liberia has created new avenues and given hope to midwives in Liberia.

The veteran midwife called on midwives to get ‘lost in love’ for their profession as lifesavers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Marion Subah who was crowned Nursing Elder of the year 2017/2018 said nursing combines the compassionate act of caring and scientific knowledge to save a life, this she said must be at the core of every nurse’s work.

She was honored for thirty-one years of service as a nurse who has worked extensively in public and private sectors, including the Ministry of Health and the Carter Center.

Addressing the occasion as keynote speaker, the Chief Medical Officer of the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre, Dr. Sia Watta Camanor extolled the honorees and graduates for their remarkable achievements.

Dr. Camanor said the JFK-TNIMA-UL merger has been fruitful and is vital in the improvement of Liberia’s health sector.

She encouraged nurses and midwives to exhibit the highest degree of respect and love for their clients.

“Midwives, Nurses, labor in love and always have compassion for those you serve. Midwifery and Nursing are noble professions that people should not just go into for salary. Midwives and Nurses are Angels. They are God’s hands and God’s feet on earth. You deserve a handsome reward for your jobs, but let that not be your motivation”, Dr. Camanor cautioned.

She branded Midwives and Nurses as organized professionals who must always cherish the work they do.

“I have learned of Florence Nightingale, but I don’t know her that much because I was not born when she was alive. However, we have living legends here [in Liberia] that you can emulate, Dr. Belleh, former CEO of JFK is one and our current Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah is another. Follow their good examples,” she urged the graduates.

The Chief Medical Officer of JFK also told the graduates that midwifery and nursing are honorable professions and their invaluable contribution to this country [Liberia] cannot be overemphasized.

She called on all midwives and nurses to be balanced professionals by remaining within the confines of their professions as a way of bringing pride and dignity the fields of midwifery and nursing.

“People will forget your name, but they will never forget how you make them feel. Be a nurse or midwife without excuse, know that your only job is to ensure that life is safe because of you. Create the audacity to aim high in your profession. Dream big and develop the courage to fulfill your dreams. Be the best in your facility or hospital.” She cautioned.

Dr. Camanor concluded by saying a review of the benefits for nurses is currently being planned by her office to tie down best service providers.