A group of 40 Bachelor of Pharmacy and 58 BTech Nursing Science students who graduated from being student healthcare workers to first-line healthcare professionals, took their respective oaths during the Faculty of Science’s recent graduation ceremonies.
Forming part of the celebration of excellence, was the Pharmacists Oath taking ceremony as well as the Nursing Lamp ceremony held directly after the capping of these young professionals.
According to Dr Baatile Komane, HoD of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the pharmacist's oath represents the commitment made by pharmacists to uphold ethical principles and fulfil their responsibilities in practice.
“The oath serves as a constant reminder of the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare and the trust bestowed upon them by patients and society. By embracing and adhering to this oath, pharmacists actively contribute to the provision of safe, effective, and patient-centred care, thereby upholding the integrity and professionalism of the entire pharmacy profession.”
Leading the nursing lamp ceremony, Assistant Dean for The Faculty of Science, Teaching and Learning, Professor Yolanda Havenga, stated that the lamp ceremony holds significant importance in the nursing profession as it symbolizes the transition from a student nurse to a professional nurse. “This time-honoured tradition has deep historical roots and serves as a way to pass on knowledge, values and responsibilities from experienced nurses to new graduates, carrying forward the legacy of nursing. The lamp itself is a powerful symbol of enlightenment, hope and guidance in the nursing profession,” she explained.
“Marking a significant milestone in these young healthcare workers’ careers, the ceremonies signify their readiness to enter the profession as registered healthcare professionals. They instil a sense of pride, accomplishment and professional identity among healthcare workers, reinforcing their commitment to providing quality patient care and upholding ethics and standards. By partaking in these ceremonies, they reaffirm their dedication to their patients and their role as health science professionals,” Prof Havenga added.