Nursing is a career that has a unique set of advantages and advantages. Therefore before choosing any of the nursing schools in Anambra, it is very important to look at the pros and cons of a nursing career and then decide whether you are ready and willing to take the bad with the good.
Read on as we explore the advantages and disadvantages associated with nursing and then give you detailed information about the nursing schools in Anambra State.
Who is a nurse?
A nurse is someone who has been trained to give care to sick people or those who have been injured. Most time, this takes place under the supervision of the doctor.
Also, this type of care is found in hospitals, clinics, homes, convalescent centres and other medical facilities.
How much do nurses earn in Nigeria?
I have categorized their earnings into the government sector and the private sector:
The range of the entry-level nurses is somewhere between N80,000 and N150,000 in government hospitals. This range can change as time goes by.
For mid-level nurses in government institutions, their pay ranges from N100,000 to N180,000.
After that, we have the senior-level nurses( that is nurses with about 5 years of experience and above) whose salary ranges between N150,000 and N250,000.
The figure stated above does not include the bonuses and allowances they receive or earn in the profession over time.
For nurses who work in the private institutions;
Entry-level nurses earn somewhere between N60,000 and 80,000.
The mid-level nurses in the private sector have their basic salary to between N70,000 to N100,000.
After that, we have the experienced nurses salary that ranges between N100,000 to N180,000. This especially is for nurses with experience of 5 years and above.
Therefore it is obvious, private hospitals or institutions pay lesser than government hospitals. If you are working in a Federal institution, you will be expected to earn higher than nurses working in a state hospital or institution.
Qualifications(ADN or BSc)
There are two ways to become a nurse in Nigeria.
You either go to the school of Nursing where you will spend three years getting certified as a nurse. The school of nursing awards you an ADN(Associate Degree in Nursing)-which is equivalent to a Diploma in other degrees.
Or you study nursing at the University. The university degree takes up to 5 years and eventually, that will earn you a BSc degree.
Who earns more between the two?
Someone with a BSc in nursing, given the same year of experience definitely will earn more than someone with ADN in nursing.
Studying further like obtaining a master’s degree or the likes will definitely move a nurse’s salary higher.
Some Specialties in Nursing
There are specialties in using and some of them earn higher than the others.
Nurses who have already undergone General Nursing training and have been certified to practice in Nigeria can enrol for this training in schools of post-basic nursing.
Most of these programs run for a period of one year, while others run over 18 months to 2 years.
Here are some nursing specialties:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetic(CRNA):
This is the highest-paid nursing specialty. This is because they carry out a very delicate procedure. They put people to sleep with the aid of anaesthetics before surgery is performed. To be a CRNA, you must be a registered nurse and must have at least a Master’s degree in the discipline.
Pediatric Nursing:
These types of nurses work closely with children.
Nurse researcher
A nurse researcher works to improve the field of nursing.
Let’s list these specialties in full;
- Accident and Emergency Nursing
- Anaesthetic Nursing
- Orthopaedic Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing (midwifery)
- Ophthalmic Nursing
- Cardiothoracic Nursing
- Renal Nursing
- Peri-operative Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Occupational Health Nursing
- Clinical Research Nursing
- Paediatric Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- Public Health Nursing.
In general, the higher the demand for a particular nursing specialty, the more money nurses in those specialties are likely to earn.
However, additional courses and certifications will be taken to become a specialist nurse.
How to become a registered nurse in Nigeria
To become a registered nurse in Nigeria or if you plan to attend any of the nursing schools in Anambra State, in your secondary school you need a grasp of science subjects such as:
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
There are a few training pathways to attain this professional status.
Becoming a nurse in Nigeria requires going through nursing training either in a School of Nursing, School of Basic midwifery or in a University.
School of Nursing or School of Basic midwifery
The training in the School of nursing is a hospital-based one that runs for three years and leads to the award of a Certificate in General Nursing.
The program in the school of nursing is designed to allow the nursing student to learn in the classroom for half of the period of the training, and the other half the students are on clinical postings.
Similarly, the school of basic midwifery offers a training package that trains midwives for a period of three years.
Although this pathway is no longer popular, as it is gradually being phased out.
Nurses are also trained in universities in Nigeria
The program runs for five years and leads to the award of both professional certifications, and a bachelor degree.
This pathway allocates more time to learning classroom for student nurses, and less for clinical postings, as compared to the earlier mention training pathways.
In the fourth year of their study, student nurses attempt the professional examination for the award of a Certificate in General Nursing (RN) and, in the fifth year, they study Midwifery, and Public Health Nursing, which is optional.
At the end of the fifth year, they would attempt the professional examinations, that would certify them as midwives (RM) and public health nurses (RPH).
In addition to these professional certifications, they are also awarded a bachelor degree.
Hence, an overall qualification of “RN, RM, RPH, BNsc”.
7 Advantages of a Nursing Career
Before we talk about these advantages, it is important to state that most of the people who enter the nursing profession do so because of the passion they have for it.
Others get into the career because it is in demand in the western world and the financial benefits attached are numerous.
Those who go into nursing primarily for the money and/or job security risk being unhappy in the profession. Here are the advantages:
Helping Others
Nurses are known to be in the business of fighting for patients. They are always after improving and saving lives. In general, they shape the health and wellness of the individuals, families and communities they serve.
High Demand
Registered nurses, especially those with a BSN are always and will continue to be in high demand. If not in Nigeria, then outside the country.
High Earning
Nurses are not only in high demand, but they also earn high. Read the session above where I wrote about how much nurses earn in Nigeria.
Flexible Schedules
Being a nurse comes with a lot of flexibility, nurses today can choose to work full-time, part-time or on-call basis. There are nurses who work on shift; for instance, we have the three 12-hour shifts a week which are great for those who don’t mind long workdays to have four consecutive days off.
Disadvantages of a Nursing Career
Even after your studies in any of the nursing schools in Anambra State, there are disadvantages to expect. The following disadvantages are not without remedies. Nurses can reduce the severity of these disadvantages by taking care of themselves.
Physical Demands
Nurses are prone to foot problems and back injuries because they spend a lot of time lifting and moving patients on a regular basis. Proper stretching and exercise can help reduce or cut down the risk of having back injuries.
Virus Exposure
Nurses stand the risk of catching something from a patient. for instance, extreme forms of exposure include being accidentally stuck by a needle from a patient with a blood-borne illness or getting a splash of bodily fluid in the eyes. These can be prevented by taking proper precautions to protect themselves from germs and viruses.
Emotional Burnout
Nurses witness all types of human suffering. This can wreak havoc on their emotions. For instance, a nurse who is treating an accident victim or a nurse taking care of a mother who is battling cancer. Above all, they see more deaths and all these are likely going to affect them.
The beauty of Nursing, there’s always a job available
The nursing career prospects and remuneration is dependent on the specialty which you chose while attending any of the nursing schools in Anambra State, years of experience and skills as well as the clinical competence. Other times, it is dependent on the level of education.
Job opportunities are available for nurses in the intensive care unit, for critical care nursing specialists which may be basically for adults or a pediatric intensive care unit(ICU).
Pediatric nurses have the opportunity to work in the pediatric ICU if they have some years of experience and competence in the pediatric specialty.
Then we have the general nurses who can work in the general surgical and medical units.
Perioperative nurses work in the theatres alongside surgeons.
Anaesthetic nurses also work in critical care units as well as in the theatre, administering anaesthesia, and nursing the patient to recovery in the post anaesthetic care unit.
Midwives can work in labour wards, maternity homes, or in the community, along with public health nurses at primary health care levels.
Renal nurses work in dialysis units, and kidney transplant centres, caring for patients with kidney diseases undergoing dialysis, or kidney transplant, or other invasive procedures involving the kidneys, such as kidney biopsy.
Occupational health nurses in Nigeria work in industrial sites and factory clinics, to provide first aid treatment for work-related hazards and injuries sustained at work. Read on to see the list of nursing schools in Anambra State.
>>>>>11 Top Nursing schools in Lagos(fees and requirements)
List of Nursing schools in Anambra State
Below is a list of the nursing schools in Anambra Stat.
- Department of Nursing (DON), Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- School of Nursing (SON) Iyi Enu Hospital, Ogidi.
- School of Nursing (SON), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
- School of Nursing (SON), Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
- School of Nursing(SON), St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu.
- School of Nursing Chukwuemeka odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nkpor.
- College of Nursing, Diocesan Hospital, Amichi.
- College of Nursing, St. Charles Borromeo hospital, Onitsha.
Let’s review some of these nursing schools in Anambra State.
Department of Nursing (DON), Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University offers a five-year undergraduate programme leading to Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science (BNSc).
The programme discusses basic Nursing Philosophy, basic health needs, Nursing processes, disease prevention among others.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCM) is the regulatory body that controls the training and practice of these nurses.
As one of the nursing schools in Anambra State, their Nursing Science programme is an integrated educational programme for the purpose of preparing nursing professionals capable of providing general nursing, midwifery and community health nursing services including psychiatry on graduation and able to pursue a higher degree programme in nursing.
They should articulate the attributes and capabilities required of anybody having such qualifications.
School of Nursing Chukwuemeka odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nkpor
This is one of the nursing schools in Anambra State that was given full accreditation in September 2021, with an increase in the intake of students.
School of Nursing (SON), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
This is one of the Nursing schools in Anambra State that is Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital started as a community hospital and later became a general hospital in 1990.
It is one of the nursing schools in Anambra State where the staff believe that the basic course in nursing is a formal education programme that should be based on sound educational principles.
The motto of the school is “Excellence in Nursing Education” while the vision of the school in line with the reforms in Nursing Education Practice and Research is “To train nurses that will be polyvalent in nature who will be able to withstand the societal challenges and demands in Nursing Profession.
Department of Nursing (DON), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, is located in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State on the popular old Onitsha Road, Nnewi. Read about this nursing school in detail.
The sale of form for the Department of Nursing (DON), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi starts from the third week of January and ends the third week of April of each year.
SCHOOL FEES: As fixed by the Management Board, the same is reviewed intermittently.
RESUMPTION: The successful students resume lectures from October every year.
Read all about this school in detail
School of Nursing (SON) Iyi Enu Hospital, Ogidi
This is one of the nursing schools in Anambra State where Both the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery are adequately staffed and have classrooms and demonstration rooms properly provided with standard equipment for teaching and conducting practicals.
Presently, entrance examinations just like in other nursing schools in Anambra State are conducted in the school by the Examination Board Members/Examination Committee members in May of every year.
Successful candidates are invited for an interview in August and successful candidates commence training in October.
Finally, Iyienu school of nursing offers academic opportunities in nursing oriented fields. Academic programmes offered by the school span different fields of specialization including medical sciences, health sciences and environmental sciences.
School of Nursing (SON), Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala
This is one of the nursing schools in Anambra State that was founded by His Grace Most Rev. Charles Heerey CSSp of Blessed Memory 1953 and managed by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ after the exit of the expatriate Holy Rosary Sisters.
This amongst other nursing schools in Anambra State have a highly committed academic staff that have constantly provided our students with the required stuff with which they have severally excelled in Nursing Council Examinations. Because of this, their graduates are in high demand in the labour market, hence they are found in health facilities throughout Nigerian and beyond.
The General Nursing Programme shall be a six-semester programme of study.
The courses in the first year of the programme shall be designated at 100 level with a prefix of General Nursing (GN).
The courses in the second and third year of study shall be designated at 200 level and 300 level respectively with the same prefix.
School of Nursing (SON), Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala requirements
Candidates seeking admission into the programme must also possess the Senior Secondary School Certificate with credit level pass in at least five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
In addition, the candidates must undergo both written and oral interviews conducted by the school just as in some other nursing schools in Anambra State.
School of Nursing(SON), St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu
This is one of the nursing schools in Anambra State that was established to take care of the health of the people.
The Hospital under the care of the Holy Rosary Sisters was registered with one hundred and one (101) beds in1939. It soon grew to one hundred and thirty-three (133) and, then, one hundred and eighty-eight (188).
In the same year, 1938, it was found necessary to establish the School of Midwifery to train local women to join them in ministering to sick people and, especially, to pregnant women.
At the College of Nursing Sciences, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu, they offer admission into the department of Nursing and Midwifery respectively.
When it comes to the academic standards they are one of the nursing schools in Anambra State that do not compromise with their professional Staff and well-conducive environment you are sure of getting the best.
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Conclusion on nursing schools in Anambra State
In conclusion, nursing is an exciting field of work and at the same time challenging. If you plan to leave the country at the end of your studies in any of the nursing schools in Anambra State, some of the highest paying jobs in nursing include:
- certified registered nurse anaesthetist
- general nurse practitioner
- gerontological nurse practitioner
- pain management nurse
- psychiatric nurse practitioner
- certified nurse-midwife
- Family nurse practitioner
- Informatics nurse.
Is possible for me to go for two specialist course at the same time in same school
Hi, thanks for your question.
I doubt it’s possible. The best thing to do is to choose any of the schools you like and see if they can allow that.
All the best.
I change subject to science but I find it difficult in science subject, please which of the school that mostly need student so that I can buy their form am not good in science for me to compete ?
To study nursing, you have to have at least a basic knowledge of some core science subjects.
A good knowledge of biology will be needed while in school.
You must build your knowledge on the needed science subjects if you really want to be a nurse.
If you still find it hard to get along with them, then you might have to consider other career options.
must you leave insude the school throughout your training years. As a mother of two how do I manage that
I really don’t think it’s compulsory to live inside the school.
In cases where students are required to live inside the school, there must be options for students who have genuine reasons why they can’t live inside the school.
Please the form for nnewi and nkpor nursing school out?
Pls how much is the school fees for nursing