Sigma is proud to welcome the Alpha Beta Upsilon at-Large Chapter to the family—the first Sigma chapter in Sierra Leone.
What is the state of nursing in Sierra Leone? What does your chapter plan to do to help elevate that?
Nurses make up more than 50% of the healthcare workforce, even though there is a significant shortage of registered nurses countrywide. There are three significant groups of nurses within the healthcare system: registered nurses (RNs), State Enrolled Community Health Nurses (SECHNs), and Maternal and Child Health Aides (MCHAides). These nurses operate at different levels in the healthcare system, with RNs working mainly in hospitals and MCHAides working in the peripheral health units. The SECHNs work across all facilities in healthcare delivery. Because of the RN shortage, SECHNs are working in tertiary hospitals. All nurses practicing within the country take a licensure examination conducted by the Sierra Leone Nurses and Midwives Board.
Alpha Beta Upsilon at-Large Chapter will elevate nursing education and help train nurses in the needed specialty areas. We will strengthen nursing research and advocacy, as well as promote excellence among our members.
What does the healthcare and healthcare industry look like in Sierra Leone?
Healthcare is delivered at three levels of care:
- Primary healthcare is the preventive approach, with treatment of minor ailments at the community level. It includes the peripheral health units and community clinics.
- Secondary healthcare is curative and manages complicated cases from the primary services. It includes district hospitals and private hospitals.
- Tertiary healthcare is the management of critical, specialized cases that need the attention of a specialist. It is the referral hospital.
There is a public-private partnership, but most of the private facilities are managed separately.
Why were you interested in starting a Sigma chapter?
Being a part of Sigma provides us the opportunity to strengthen nursing education and research, as well as enhance international nursing practice among our members.
During Sigma’s Biennial Convention in 2019, Sigma members Dr. Carrie Fisher, Dr. Adriana Bentu-Tilus, and Wanda Johnson told us about Sigma’s benefits and processes, which inspired us to be part of this great organisation. Sigma provides a platform for nurses in Sierra Leone to showcase the work they are doing in our country. Other Sigma members shared inspiring messages that lifted our spirits and helped to make our dream of a Sigma chapter in Sierra Leone become a reality. Becoming a chapter will allow our nurses to be part of this great group and benefit from the nursing profession.
How are you going to connect the members who are geographically far apart in your country?
The country is connected by regional sections, and we expect to induct nursing leaders in those regions. We will rely on the use of our chapter website, telephone, and WhatsApp to communicate with others. The chapter will also hold rotational meetings, conferences, and other activities to ensure other regional members are active.
What are some of your future goals, and what types of activities do you have planned?
Our goals are to enhance postgraduate training and research, strengthen nursing leadership and regulation, and sponsor nursing education. Our planned activities include attending regular Sigma meetings and nursing research conferences. We also plan to host a biannual community fundraising activity.
What benefits of Sigma membership is the chapter most looking forward to and why?
The chapter is looking forward to receiving more training, continuing professional development, and support from Sigma. Nurses will have the opportunity to become educated at a higher level by being a Sigma member.
Personally, I am excited that nurses will have the opportunity to become part of an international nursing community and will communicate with their counterparts around the world. This gives them a sense of belonging and empowers the nursing team to adopt best practices. I am also excited to be the founder of this group.
Welcome to the Sigma family, Alpha Beta Upsilon at-Large Chapter!