INTRODUCTION

In December 2023, the Bayelsa State Nursing and Midwifery Committee conducted the Certificate and License Verification Project, a landmark exercise aimed at reinforcing the integrity and professionalism of nursing in the state. With healthcare demands increasing, ensuring that nurses possess authentic and valid credentials is more critical than ever. This verification process directly safeguards patient welfare by ensuring that every practicing nurse meets regulatory standards.

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE 2023 VERIFICATION EXERCISE

The verification project had clear objectives:

Authenticate the nursing licenses and certificates of practitioners across Bayelsa State.

Strengthen public trust in healthcare professionals.

Identify irregularities and prevent fraudulent practices.

Promote digital solutions in the credential verification process.

 

METHODOLOGY

Nurses from various healthcare institutions participated in the verification exercise. Data collection was executed via online forms, ensuring real-time submission and accuracy. The information was further refined, enabling streamlined data cleaning, visualization, and reporting.

 

KEY FINDINGS - CLEARANCE AND DISCREPANCIES

684 Nurses (84%) successfully cleared verification.

77 Nurses (9%) were still processing their licenses.

57 Nurses (7%) were not cleared due to expired licenses.

A forged license was uncovered from an employee underscoring the need for stricter fraud prevention measures.

 

RANK AND FACILITY DISTRIBUTION

The most represented rank was Principal Nursing Officers (PNOs) with 147 Nurses, followed by Senior Nursing Officers (120 nurses).

Tertiary healthcare facilities had the highest nurse attendance (477 nurses), while private healthcare facilities recorded the lowest engagement.

 

SPECIALTIES AND OBSERVATIONS

818 nurses were practicing as Registered Nurses.

428 nurses were registered as Midwives.

105 nurses held qualifications as Registered Public Health Nurses.

Niger Delta Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) recorded the highest success rate in verification, setting a benchmark for compliance.

 

KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM 2023

Embracing Technology – Nurses positively received the integration of digital tools into the verification process, enhancing efficiency.

Private Facility Gaps – Low engagement was recorded from nurses in private healthcare settings, indicating a need for better regulatory enforcement.

Fraudulent Cases Detected – The identification of a fake license highlighted the ongoing need for vigilance and periodic audits.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

To improve future verification efforts, the following measures should be implemented:

Penalties for Fraudulent Practices – Enforce strict consequences for individuals found engaging in credential forgery.

Regular Audits – Conduct periodic assessments to ensure compliance and accuracy in records.

Policy Refinement – Continuously update verification standards to align with evolving industry regulations.

 

CONCLUSION

The 2023 Certificate and License Verification Project was not merely a procedural exercise—it was a pivotal step toward securing competence, professionalism, and integrity in nursing practice across Bayelsa State. By ensuring that only qualified individuals serve in the healthcare sector, the committee has reinforced patient safety and trust. Moving forward, continued digital advancements, policy updates, and accountability measures will further strengthen nursing standards, ensuring that Bayelsa remains at the forefront of ethical and competent healthcare delivery.