ADVANCING NURSING STANDARDS: INSIGHTS FROM BAYELSA STATE'S 2024 CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE VERIFICATION PROJECT​

INTRODUCTION

The Bayelsa State Nursing and Midwifery Committee continues its commitment to maintaining professional integrity and excellence in the nursing field. Following the success of the 2023 verification exercise, the 2024 Certificate and License Verification Project was conducted to further validate nursing credentials, identify workforce gaps, and reinforce public trust in healthcare. With digital innovation and data-driven approaches at the forefront, this initiative ensures that the state’s healthcare workforce remains competent, ethical, and fully accredited.

OBJECTIVES OF THE 2024 VERIFICATION EXERCISE

  • Authenticate nursing licenses and certificates across healthcare facilities in Bayelsa State.
  • Improve data security and regulatory compliance.
  • Address workforce gaps and encourage professional development.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers.

METHODOLOGY

The verification exercise was executed using a dedicated online portal, ensuring seamless data collection. Additional validation was carried out through the Department of Nursing Services, Ministry of Health. Advanced data processing tools—Python programming for analysis and data visualization techniques like pie and bar charts—helped streamline the process, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

KEY FINDINGS - CLEARANCE AND DISCREPANCIES

  • 799 nurses (89%) successfully cleared verification.
  • 65 nurses (7%) were processing their licenses.
  • 31 nurses (4%) remained uncleared due to expired licenses.

RANK AND FACILITY DISTRIBUTION

  • Nursing Officers II (172 nurses) represented the largest cadre.
  • Senior Nursing Officers (161 nurses) followed closely.
  • Tertiary healthcare facilities had the highest participation (404 nurses).
  • Private healthcare facilities showed increased involvement, reflecting greater regulatory engagement.

SPECIALTIES AND OBSERVATIONS

  • 828 nurses were Registered Nurses (RN), with 509 also holding Midwifery (RM) qualifications.
  • 130 nurses had Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN) certification.
  • Educational Background: 38.3% of the participating nurses held a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNSc) degree.

KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM 2024

  • Rise in Private Healthcare Participation – Notable increase in nurse participation from private facilities, signalling improved compliance and engagement.
  • Predominant Nursing Cadre – Nursing Officer II constituted the highest category of verified practitioners.
  • Technology Integration – The adoption of digital tools significantly improved verification accuracy and efficiency.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To build on the successes of 2024, the following strategies are recommended:

  1. Expansion of Digital Learning Opportunities – Continuous professional development through online training and mentorship programs.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Encourage partnerships among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.
  3. Policy Reviews – Regular updates to verification procedures to align with evolving nursing standards.

CONCLUSION

The 2024 Certificate and License Verification Project serves as a critical pillar in Bayelsa State’s healthcare sector. By ensuring that only qualified, competent, and accredited nurses serve the public, the initiative enhances patient safety, workforce efficiency, and healthcare quality. Looking ahead, continued technological innovation and regulatory enforcement will further strengthen nursing practice in the state, ensuring a higher standard of care for all.