Enhancing the education of paediatric nurses: A positive step towards achieving sustainable development goals

• Authors: Aimable Nkurunziza, University of Rwanda; Godfrey Katende, University of Rwanda; Philomene Uwimana, University of Rwanda; Patricia J Moreland, Emory University; William E. Rosa, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Marie Louise Umwangange, University of Rwanda; Dieudonne Kayiranga, University of Rwanda; Joselyne Rugema, University of Rwanda; Madeleine Mukeshimana, University of Rwanda
• Journal Title: NURSING OPEN
• Volume: Volume 10, Number 8
• Publisher: WILEY | 2023-05-20, Pages 5017-5023
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1816
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing; Health Sciences, Oncology; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Nursing; nursing education; paediatric nurses; Paediatric nursing; sustainable development goals; HUMAN-RESOURCES; QUALITY; HEALTH; CARE

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this discursive paper was to describe and expound on how paediatric nurses will be able to address the needs of children and adolescents through the lens of selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Rwanda. Design: A discursive analysis of SDGs relating to the roles of paediatric nurses in the context of Rwanda. Methods: A discursive method using SDGs as a guiding framework is used in this paper. We drew on our own experiences and supported them with the available literature. Results: A collection of contextually relevant examples of how paediatric nurses will be able to address the needs of children and adolescents through the lens of selected SDGs in Rwanda was discussed. The selected SDGs expounded on were: no poverty, good health and well-being, quality of education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals. Conclusions: There is no doubt that the paediatric nurses in Rwanda play undeniable key roles in attaining SDGs and their targets. Thus, there is a need to train more paediatric nurses with the support of the interdisciplinary partners. Collaboratively, this is possible in the bid to ensure equitable and accessible care to the current and future generations. Public contribution: This discursive paper is intended to inform the different stakeholders in nursing practice, research, education and policy to support and invest in the advanced education of paediatric nurses for attainment of the SDGs.