The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, has been a pioneer in advancing child and neonatal health education since its establishment in 2010E.C. The department was founded in alignment with the vision and mission of Wallaga University, with the core aim of addressing the critical shortage of pediatric and neonatal health professionals across Ethiopia. Its mandate is to prepare highly skilled nurses capable of delivering preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services that improve the health and survival of children and newborns nationwide.
Academic Programs
The department offers a comprehensive suite of programs that cater to different levels of professional development:
- Post-Basic in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
- Post-Basic in Neonatal Health Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
- Master of Science (MSc) in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing
Program Duration
- Post-Basic Programs: Two and a half years
- Undergraduate Generic BSc Program: Four years
- Postgraduate MSc Program: Two years
Achievements
Since its inception, the department has successfully graduated five cohorts of post-basic students and two cohorts of postgraduate (MSc) students. The generic undergraduate program is currently in its second year of training, with growing enrollment and demand.
Through these programs, the department continues to fulfill its mission of producing competent, compassionate, and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses who are equipped to address Ethiopia’s pressing child and newborn health challenges.
DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS AND NEONATAL NURSING
ፔዲያትሪክስ እና ኒኦናታል ነርሲንግ ት/ ክፍል
Overview
- The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing was established in 2010 C. as a unit under the Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery at Wallaga University. Since its inception, the department has been dedicated to addressing the critical shortage of professionals in pediatric and neonatal health services by producing competent nurses who can provide preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care to children and newborns.
- Initially, the department launched two-and-a-half-year post-basic training programs in Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing. This initiative was designed to respond to the urgent demand for specialized child health and neonatal nursing professionals across the country. Including the post-basic training programs, the department started training BSc in Pediatrics and child health undergraduates, thereby addressing gaps in the middle level of child and newborn health professionals.
- The department has maintained its commitment to Wallaga University’s vision and mission by producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses capable of serving diverse communities in Ethiopia. Training of these specialty nurses has proven to be both feasible and effective in reducing preventable neonatal and childhood illnesses and mortality.
Leadership History
- Werku Etafa (2010-2011 E.C), the first department head.
- Bizuneh Wakuma (2012-2015 E.C) led until leaving for postgraduate study.
- Bruck Tesfaye (2015-Present) is currently leading the department.
Vision, Mission, and Objectives of the department
Vision
☞ The vision of our program is to produce knowledgeable and compassionate professionals of Pediatric and Neonatal Nurses who will deliver the highest quality of care, ensuring healthier lives and brighter futures for children and newborns.
Mission
☞ To produce competent and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses through practical, lifelong learning; engaging in research, technology transfer, and community services; and promoting good governance in alignment with national development priorities.
Aim of the Program
☞ To produce competent, compassionate, innovative, and committed pediatric and neonatal nurses who undertake preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services tailored to the needs of Ethiopia’s population, while meeting both present and future national priorities and international professional standards.
Objectives of the department
- Prepare competent and motivated pediatric and neonatal nurses who are able to:
- Apply legal and professional ethics in clinical practice
- Communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with patients, families, and communities
- Apply health informatics and emerging technologies in child and newborn health care
- Promote child health and prevent neonatal and pediatric illnesses
- Provide neonatal intensive care and pediatric curative services
- Deliver rehabilitation services for children with chronic or developmental conditions
- Participate actively in community-based child and maternal health programs
- Engage in teaching, learning, research, and community outreach activities
- Lead and manage child and newborn health services in various health care settings Program Rational
- The government of Ethiopia has identified maternal, neonatal, and child health as a national priority and integrated it into primary health care strategies. However, the proportion of highly qualified pediatric and neonatal professionals remains extremely low compared to the country’s population size. Therefore, the training of BSc-level Pediatric and Neonatal Nurses is a more feasible and cost-effective approach to meeting the urgent needs of the population, reducing child mortality, and advancing Ethiopia’s health system.
Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)
- Applicants must:
- Have a natural science background
- Meet the Ministry of Education criteria for entry into degree-level programs.
- Be physically fit, capable of undertaking essential clinical diagnostic techniques (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), and free from hearing impairments.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrate motivation and genuine interest in pursuing a career in Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing