Nairobi – Dr. Susan Nyugna, Dean of Nursing at Daystar University, calls for increased investment in nurses’ well-being and mental health, stressing that such support is important for both quality healthcare delivery and economic development.
Speaking in honor of International Nurses Week at Nairobi Hospital, Dr. Njuguna emphasized that the quality of care provided by nurses will directly affect the economic productivity of the country.
This year’s celebration focused on the frequently overlooked economic impact of nursing care and the key role nurses play in the healthcare system, with the theme of “Our Nurse, Our Future: Nurses Care Enhance the Economy.”
Dr. Njuguna identified the work environment as a key factor in nurses’ performance and mental health.
She highlighted the importance of creating supportive and dignified workspaces where nurses can thrive professionally and personally.
“When a nurse comes to work, he or she comes first with her own personal and professional assignments, so nurse care needs to be prioritized. How you support nurses’ well-being and dignity will have a direct impact on the patients who care for the patients, patients often, patients often, patients often, and their economy.”
“The care provided by every nurse, whether it is a baby or not, may become the great thought leader we are looking for. Therefore, nurses’ happiness must be prioritized by all institutions working with nurses.”
Dean from Daystar University emphasized that when nurses feel supported, they are equipped to provide high quality care, helping patients recover faster and more productive.
Dr. Njuguna also issued a warning about the urgent need for mental health support programs for nurses who are frequently exposed to high levels of stress, trauma and burnout.
“Growing up in the profession, nurses never had mental health issues. You just had to find a way to continue. But now we know better,” she said she wanted to establish a structure that would provide support when nurses face emotional or psychological challenges.
She urged healthcare institutions to develop a safe and nurturing environment, including practical support systems such as palliative care services, stress management, emotional wellness programs, and physical safety measures, especially in high-risk settings.
“Sometimes, nurses are slapped by patients, and somehow it’s still considered nurses’ fault. We need to change that narrative and make sure nurses are protected and respected,” she emphasized.
Dr. Njuguna also called for improvements to healthcare infrastructure, including appropriate medical supplies, efficient health financing systems, effective communication tools, and consistent opportunities for professional development.
She lamented the enduring challenges faced by public sector nurses, such as a lack of basic healthcare supplies and limited access to their own healthcare services.
Importantly, she advocated for greater representation of nurses in the policy-making space, urging stakeholders to view nurses not only as caregivers but as leaders who can form a health system.
“We need leadership and governance resources. Nurses must be at the table where decisions are made, from operational planning to top-level strategies,” she said.
Emphasizing the play of nurses in multi-faceted roles – from clinical care and hospital management to record-keeping and financial planning – DR. Njuguna reiterated the need to equip the right tools, training and leadership development opportunities.
In support of these efforts, the acting CEO of Nairobi Hospital Felix Osano reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empowering nurses through strategic investments in training, international exposure and professional development.
“We not only value you, but we are committed to showing it through concrete actions and opportunities,” he said.
He revealed that since January 2025, the hospital has supported the participation of 32 nurses at the National Nursing Conference, allowing 56 nurses to complete life-saving certifications, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
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Going forward, Osano announced that the hospital will sponsor four nurses to attend the International Nurses Conference held in Finland in June this year.
Additionally, a higher diploma sponsorship program in the specialized nursing field is scheduled to be launched in August, and nurses are encouraged to apply when the phone is opened.
The hospital’s AG Director Nursing Services praised nurses as the “backbone” and “economic power” of any hospital.
“Nurse is very innovative and exemplary when it comes to research,” she said.
The event, held on May 12 to mark the annual International Nurses Day in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, was concluded as an award ceremony in which 22 nurses from Nairobi Hospital were recognized for their exemplary services.
