After school of nursing what’s next

Nursing is considered a top profession in Nigeria, as it’s regarded as the second-best medical profession in Nigeria, behind medicine and surgery.

Presently, nursing science at tertiary institutions is very competitive, with thousands of Nigerians seeking admission into this course every year.

This has made the cutoff mark for this course increase so high for the past few years now.

The pathway to becoming a nurse typically begins after secondary school, with students gaining admission into either a school of nursing, college of nursing or university offering nursing science.

In Nigeria, there are three primary pathways to becoming a registered nurse.

• School of Nursing: This is a three-year diploma programme offered by accredited institutions or teaching hospitals. Graduates are awarded of Registered Nurse (RN) after passing the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) licensing examination.

• University Degree (B.Sc. Nursing): This is a five-year academic programme offered by universities, leading to the award of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It combines both theoretical knowledge with clinical training, and it also includes additional certifications such as Registered Midwife (RM) and Public Health Nurse (PHN), depending on the institution.

• College of Nursing:The College of Nursing Sciences offers a structured and standardised route to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Nigeria. Unlike the School of Nursing, this pathway follows a more academic model regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NVM).Students gain admission through JAMB UTME and begin with a National Diploma (ND) in Nursing, which runs for two years. After this, they proceed to a one-year compulsory clinical internship, followed by a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing, which also lasts two years.

Each of these paths requires licensure from the NMCN, which regulates nursing practice and ensures professional standards.

Types of Nursing Certificates in Nigeria

Nursing in Nigeria offers various certifications depending on the institution and specialisation. Each certificate is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

Awarded After: Completion of a 3-year basic general nursing programme at a School of Nursing.

2. Registered Midwife (RM)

Awarded After: Completion of a midwifery training programme (either post-basic or direct entry for females).

3. Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.Sc. Nursing)

Awarded After: 5-year university degree programme.

After school of nursing what’s next?

After school of nursing, what’s next in Nigeria?

This is a common question asked by many students who wish to pursue a nursing career through a school of nursing. In this article, we will provide answers to this important question.

Graduating from a school of nursing in Nigeria opens up a range of career and academic opportunities, both within and outside the country.

However, graduates from schools of nursing receive a diploma, which is often ranked lower in the labour market.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken after graduation to secure a high-paying job and advance your nursing career:

1. Employment in Hospitals and Clinics

Public Sector: Graduates can work in federal, state, and local government hospitals.

Private Sector: Numerous private hospitals, clinics, and specialist centres are always in need of trained nurses.

2. Further Education and Specialisation

Post-Basic Nursing Programs: With a Registered Nurse (RN) certificate, graduates can specialise in fields like:

Anaesthetic Nursing

Paediatric Nursing

Perioperative Nursing

Psychiatric Nursing

Accident & Emergency Nursing

Midwifery: A popular next step, especially for female nurses. It’s a 1-year program leading to a Registered Midwife (RM) certificate.

3. Enrolling for B.Sc. Nursing (Direct Entry)

Many nursing graduates choose to pursue a university degree. This can be achieved by applying for direct entry into a university—not necessarily the one you originally attended—provided you already have your nursing diploma.

Note: You would start directly from the 200 level.

This approach is considered the best based on its opening doors to more employment opportunities.

4. Working with NGOs and Health Organisations

Non-governmental organisations, including those focused on maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and immunisation, often hire registered nurses.

Examples include MSF (Doctors Without Borders), WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs.

5. International Job Opportunities

With the right certifications and exams (e.g., IELTS, CBT, NCLEX), Nigerian nurses can secure jobs in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

School of Nursing graduates can begin this process immediately after getting licensed by the NMCN.

7. Teaching and Training Roles

Experienced nurses from the School of Nursing with additional qualifications can work as clinical instructors in nursing schools or health training institutions.

8. Military and Paramilitary Services

School of Nursing graduates can also secure employment in the military or paramilitary services to serve as medical personnel.

Taking the necessary steps, like the ones outlined above, can lead to a fulfilling nursing career as a School of Nursing graduate.

Challenges Nurses Face After Graduation

While completing nursing school is a significant achievement, the journey doesn’t end there.

Many graduates find that transitioning into the workforce or furthering their education comes with a unique set of challenges.

Below are some of the most common struggles Nigerian nurses face after graduation:

• Employment Struggles

One of the biggest challenges for new nurses from the School of Nursing is finding a stable job after graduation. Despite the high demand for healthcare workers, many graduates are still unemployed.

• Preference for Degree Holders:

This is another major challenge school of nursing graduates face, as many employers prioritise B.Sc. Nursing graduates over diploma holders, limiting opportunities for school of nursing graduates.

• Nepotism and Favouritism:

In some cases, employment is influenced by connections rather than merit. This is a common challenge faced by many Nigerian graduates, not only in the medical field.

• Underpayment and Poor Working Conditions

Even when employed, many nurses face discouraging work environments like low salaries, especially in private hospitals and clinics, overwork, delayed salaries, etc.

Despite these challenges, many Nigerian nurses have gone on to build successful careers by staying persistent, continuously improving their skills, and seeking opportunities both at home and abroad.

Encouragement for New Graduates from School of Nursing

If you’ve just completed nursing school, congratulations — you’ve taken a bold and noble step.

The road ahead might seem uncertain at times, but don’t let that discourage you. Keep learning, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to explore different paths.

Remember your RN certificate is a foundation, not the finish line.

Stay connected to fellow nurses, mentors, and professionals.