The Department of Comprehensive Nursing was initially established in 2000 E.C. as part of the College of Health Sciences, Wollega University. In 2002 E.C., the launch of the Midwifery program marked a significant milestone, leading to the department being renamed the Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Over the years, the department experienced substantial growth, adding several specialized programs including Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing, Surgical and Operating Theatre Nursing, Emergency and Critical Care Nursing (ECCN), as well as Psychiatry and Ophthalmic Nursing. In 2009 E.C., this expansion culminated in the transformation of the department into the School of Nursing and Midwifery under the College of Health Sciences at Wollega University. The school now comprises six distinct academic departments:

1. Comprehensive Nursing
2. Midwifery
3. Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing
4. Emergency and Critical Care Nursing
5. Psychiatry Nursing
6. Surgical Nursing

Currently, the department Comprehensive Nursing offers a range of academic programs, including:

• One undergraduate program:
  • BSc in Comprehensive Nursing
  • BSc in Comprehensive Nursing (Post basic)
• Two postgraduate programs:
  • MSc in Maternal and Reproductive Health Nursing (MRHN)
  • MSc in Adult Health Nursing (AHN)
• The department is staffed by a committed and diverse faculty, which includes:
• 1 PhD holder
• 5 Assistant Professors
• 15 Lecturers
• 4 Technical Assistants
• To support practical training and clinical skills development, the department operates two smart skill demonstration laboratories equipped with high- and low-fidelity simulators, ensuring that students receive hands-on, simulation-based education in a controlled learning environment.

DEPARTMENT OF Comprehensive Nursing                                           

               የአጠቃላይ ነርሲንግ ት/ ክፍል

Overview

• The Department of Comprehensive Nursing was initially established in 2000 E.C. as part of the College of Health Sciences, Wollega University. The goal of this department is to provide quality nursing education with theory and practice. Students learn by means of theory classes in the classroom, practice in the hospital and community, and firsthand participation in outreach. This will make our graduates not only effective caregivers but leaders who can solve the emerging challenges in healthcare.
• The Department of Nursing is committed to graduating graduates who deliver effective and safe care, enhance patients' well-being, and uphold the values of compassion and honesty. Our vision is to develop nurses that instill trust, promote health, and contribute to a more robust and healthier society.

Leadership History

• Tesfaye Regasa (10/01/2000-29/12/2001 E.C, the first department head
• Tahir Hasan (19/01/2002-03/06/005 ^E.C),
• Dareje Chala (05/7/ 2005-30/02/2008E.C)
• Biranu Yadecha (05/03/2008-15/10/2009E.C)
• Ashenaf Habte (17/11/2009- 08/02/2011 E.C)
• Tadele Amante (11/02/2011-20/05/2012 E.C)
• Muktar AbbaDigga (10/4/2011-07/07/2013 E.C)
• Tesfaye Abera ( 10/07/2013-28/09/2014 E.C)
• Adugna Olani (25/9/2014-15/08/2015 E.C)
• Dawit Tesfaye (20/09/2015-2016 E.C)
• Aliy Benti (16/7/2016-13/01/2017 E.C)
• Chaltu Shimelis (14/01/2017 till now) is currently leading the department

Head of Department's Message

                                       Ladies and gentlemen:

                                          I am very much delighted and privileged to write this address note to all our well-wishers and

                                         health professionals. We all know that health is the most precious wealth that all humans could

                                          have in their life. Moreover, a person can’t feel complete and happy in their life without having a

                                         good health. Also, nobody could gain a good health by any sort of financial negotiations. That’s why the interventions to meet this health care demands need to me more aggressive.

In Africa the biggest challenge in the health care system is the shortage of trained health care professionals and their proper distribution in all sectors. Our country is also not different from this.

The average prevalence of mental disorders in Ethiopia is 15% for adults and 11% for children.  Currently, there are about 111 psychiatrists for a population of more than 100 million and most of them are working in Addis Ababa city. This gives a psychiatrist-to-population ratio of 1:2,400,000. Compared to other Sub-Saharan Africa counties, Ethiopia has low number of psychiatrists per population. The factors that cause burden on mental health needs to be addressed effectively. Our institution strives to solve the problems in the community relevant to our field of specialization. To achieve our vision, I would like to invite different stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental organizations to collaborate with us. Looking forward for the cooperation and support from all our well-wishers. Thank you.

Program Rational

Psychiatry nursing department trains psychiatry professionals to meet the high level of need that currently exists in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been suffering from a wide range of mental health problems. Ethiopia facing the triple burden of diseases such as infectious or communicable, noncommunicable and injuries.   Moreover, the effects of financial instability, lifestyle changes, social isolation, natural disasters, wars, and rapid urban growth and overcrowding all together increases the prevalence of mental disorders resulted in an increased demand for mental health care.

In response to the public’s high demand for mental health care, the government of Ethiopia highly committed to expand mental health service and fulfil the shortage of mental health professionals throughout the country. Mental health is categorized as one of public health importance diseases and one of component of primary health care (PHC). Ethiopia identified it as one of the priorities in its policies and strategies.

The proportion of highly qualified mental health professionals is very low compared to the size of the population served. This situation requires the increased training of appropriately trained psychiatrist some key issues remain: training of psychiatrist takes a long period of time and is too expensive. This situation requires training of psychiatry graduate (BSc Level) in adequate number.  Therefore, training of BSc in psychiatry is found more feasible and cost effective in solving common mental health problems of the population in Ethiopia.

Program Admission Requirement (Eligibility)

• Candidates must be a natural science (biology, chemistry, general sciences) student and fulfill the following criteria;
• Meet the set criteria by the Ministry of Education for degree students to join higher learning institution.
• Be physically fit (at least the candidate should be physically healthy capable of undertaking the four techniques of diagnosis of disease in clinical medicine i.e inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation) and not having hearing problem.
• Female candidates will be encouraged
• Preferably, those who have interest to choose the profession.

Vision, Mission and Objectives of the Program

Vision

• The vision of our program is to produce knowledgeable and compassionate professional Psychiatric and who will provide the highest quality of patient care that truly makes a difference in patients’ lives.

Mission

• To produce competent and innovative psychiatry nurses in various disciplines through practical, lifelong learning; engaging in research, technology transfer and community services and promote good governance to the development endeavors.

Aim of the Program

• To produce competent, compassionate, innovative and committed psychiatry nurses who undertake preventive, curative and rehabilitative mental health services compatible to the needs of the population and that would meet the present and future priority mental health needs of the Ethiopian population and fulfil international professional standards.

Objectives of Psychiatry Nursing Program

Prepare competent and motivated psychiatry nurse who are able to:

• Apply legal and professional ethics
• Communicate, collaborate and work with people
• Apply health informatics and emerging technologies in mental health services
• Promote mental health and prevent mental illness
• Provide mental health rehabilitation service
• Provide mental health curative service
• Participate in community mental health service
• Participate in teaching-learning and research activities and community activities
• Lead and manage health service

Department of Psychiatric Nursing has been training in two post basic programs in order to achieve its mission in the field of health since 2010, at Wallaga University, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, in the Western part of Ethiopia. When this department is set up, it is in line with the vision and mission of Wallaga University and to meet the need for mental health professionals to work in the different parts of the country by providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the community.

The program began with two and half year post basic training programs in post basic psychiatry nursing and post basic ophthalmic nursing for three consecutive batches to address some of the demand of mental health professionals and ophthalmic nursing professionals in the country. Currently, after the cessation of the post basic training, our department started training of BSc in psychiatry undergraduate program to fulfil some gaps of middle level of mental health professionals.

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY NURSING                                       

                 ሳይካትሪ  ነርሲንግ ትምህርት ክፍል

Overview

Department of Psychiatric Nursing was established in 2015 as a unit under Institute of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery. The goal of this particular programs is to prepare a competent professional nurse and to provide a foundation for under graduate education programs in Psychiatry. Training of these specialty nurses is found more feasible and effective in solving common mental health problems of the population. Mental health workers describe misconceptions as a challenge in mental health conditions. The future of psychiatric nursing depends on the social, cultural and financial background of each community. Our department maintains a commitment to professionalism through reflective and systematic evaluation of practice and ongoing professional growth.

The PON department previously had two programs under it. This meant that the program was psychiatry nursing and ophthalmic nursing.

These two programs were under school of nursing and midwifery. According to the department, expatriate instructors recruited from abroad were continued to teach until the end of 2024.In the meantime, the department of psychiatry nursing has become independent in 2025 and has started training 40 generic students.

The first department head was Mr. Eba Abdisa (June,30/2018 to June 15/2019) after he becomes school dean.  Mr. Hunduma Gelalcha (June,16/2019- January,26/2021) led the department until he left for his postgraduate study. Thirdly Mr. Mesfin Dabasa was in charge of the department head (January,27/2021 to January,26/2023). Currently, Mr. Workineh Bekele (January, 27/2023 till date) is acting as department head.

Name: Bruck Tesfaye

Mobile phone: +251913279855/+251923342550
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College/Institute: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University
 Department/Team: Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing
 Field of Specialization:

• BSc in Nursing
• MSc in Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing

The Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing at Wallaga University is dedicated to addressing Ethiopia’s urgent need for child and newborn health professionals. Health is humanity’s greatest asset, and the well-being of children is the foundation of a nation’s future. Yet, Ethiopia, like many African countries, faces a shortage and inequitable distribution of trained pediatric and neonatal nurses.

Studies highlight critical gaps: only 12.9% of nurses in Ethiopia are pediatric specialists, knowledge and practice in pediatric pain management remain inadequate, and most hospitals lack sufficient neonatal intensive care staff. These challenges contribute to high rates of preventable neonatal and childhood illness and mortality. Our department is committed to closing these gaps by training competent, compassionate, and innovative pediatric and neonatal nurses, while also advancing research, technology, and community service.

We call upon governmental and non-governmental partners, academic institutions, and development organizations to collaborate with us in strengthening child and newborn health services across Ethiopia. Together, we can ensure that every child survives, thrives, and reaches their full potential.

“Caring for children today, building a healthier Ethiopia tomorrow.”

With my best regards,

Research Interest:

Neonatal, Pediatrics, Maternal, and Health-Related Topics.       

List of Publications

1. BT Legesse, NM Abera, TG Alemu, KA Atalell (2023). Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates with respiratory distress syndrome admitted at West Oromia Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022. Multi-centred institution based retrospective follow-up study. PLOS ONE, 18 (8), e0289050. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289050
2. BT Legesse, WT Wondie, GD Gedefaw, YT Workineh, BL Seifu (2024). Coutilisation of oral rehydration solution and zinc for treating diarrhoea and its associated factors among under-five children in East Africa: a multilevel robust Poisson regression. BMJ Open, 14 (3), e079618. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079618
3. BT Legesse, WT Wondie, WM Mekonen, GB Mekonnin (2025). Predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with hypothermia and respiratory distress syndrome at West Oromia tertiary hospitals, Retrospective Follow-up Study, 2023. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 31 (3), 101673. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2025.101673
4. GB Dibera, MA Yizengaw, GL Yadeta, DD Iticha, B Gamachu, BT Legesse (2024). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of traumatic brain injury in patients admitted to surgical ward of Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: a prospective observational follow-up study. BMJ Open, 14 (2), e080598. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080598
5. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, AT Abate, WT Wondie, ZA Gebreegzabiher, ... (2024). Incidence of acute kidney injury and its predictors among neonates admitted at neonatal intensive care unit of, Northwest Ethiopia comprehensive specialized hospitals, 2023. BMC Pediatrics, 24 (1), 717. DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-05147-6
6. DT Kubura, GB Mekonnen, HD Nigisi, T Shibiru, BT Legesse (2025). Incidence and predictors of mortality among children admitted to intensive care unit in tertiary hospitals of West Oromia, Ethiopia. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 83, 160-167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.001
7. BL Seifu, BT Legesse, TZ Yehuala, BF Kase, ZA Asmare, GF Mulaw, ... (2024). Factors associated with the co-utilization of oral rehydration solution and zinc for treating diarrhea among under-five children in 35 sub-saharan Africa countries: a generalized linear mixed-effect modeling with robust error variance. BMC Public Health, 24 (1), 1329. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18827-w
8. WT Wondie, BT Legesse, GB Mekonnen, GT Degaga, AB Zemariam, ... (2023). Incidence and predictors of respiratory distress syndrome among low birth weight neonates in the first seven days in Northwest Ethiopia Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals. BMJ Open, 13 (11), e079063. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079063
9. BL Seifu, KU Mare, BT Legesse, TM Tebeje (2024). Double burden of malnutrition and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis. BMJ Open, 14 (2), e073447. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073447
10. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, YS Endeshaw, MA Birhan, ME Ayenew, ... (2024). Incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury among asphyxiated neonates in comprehensive specialized hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, 2023. Scientific Reports, 14 (1), 16480. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66242-3
11. BL Seifu, HA Asebe, BT Legesse, GF Mulaw, TM Tebeje, KU Mare (2024). Prognostic factors of first intimate partner violence among ever-married women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Gompertz gamma shared frailty modeling. PLOS ONE, 19 (5), e0303187. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303187
12. BL Seifu, GA Tesema, T Tebeje, BT Legesse, TZ Yehuala, AG Wuneh, ... (2024). Determinants of normal haemoglobin concentration among under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Positive deviance inquiry using cross-sectional study design. BMJ Open, 14 (4), e074477. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074477
13. GB Mekonnen, BT Legesse, FD Baye, WT Wondie (2025). Incidence of tuberculosis and its predictors among children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a multicentre institution-based retrospective follow-up study. BMJ Open, 15 (2), e093808. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093808
14. GB Mekonnen, FD Baye, G Kerebeh, MM Fekadie, YT Kassie, TA Demile, ... (2024). Predictors for the incidence of pneumonia among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia: a multicenter study. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 50 (1), 165. DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01695-w
15. TB Itana, A Tadelle, BT Legesse, AM Hailu, ST Abebe (2024). Circadian blood pressure variability and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients at Nekemte Town public Hospitals, West Oromia, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 14 (8), e083014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083014
16. WM Mekonen, WE Ebi, BW Efa, AZ Kumbi, GG Tolera, AT Haile, BM Jima, ... (2025). Nurses knowledge about and attitude toward pediatrics pain management in public hospitals in Nekemte City, Ethiopia 2023. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 84, 74-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.013
17. WT Wondie, CA Wubneh, BT Legesse, ST Mamo, YT Tsehay, ... (2025). Incidence of early neonatal sepsis and its predictor among low birthweight neonates in Northwest Ethiopia Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, A retrospective follow-up study, 2024. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 31 (3), 101636. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2025.101636
18. GB Mekonnen, BA Tilaye, FD Baye, D Kefale, M Ewunetu, TM Aytenew, ... (2025). Incidence and predictors of lost to follow up among children receiving antiretroviral therapy: a competing risks regression model. Scientific Reports, 15 (1), 17447. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02645-0
19. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, DT Daka, WT Wondie, AT Gonete, FB Getaneh, ... (2025). Author Correction: Time to recovery and its predictors among neonates undergone phototherapy at Comprehensive Specialized hospitals of the Northwest Ethiopia. Scientific Reports, 15, 15106. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-02595-2
20. GB Mekonnen, WT Wondie, BT Legesse, NM Abera, AG Abuhay, ... (2025). Recovery rate of severe acute malnutrition and its predictors among children admitted to therapeutic feeding unit in Northcentral Ethiopia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98582-z
21. GB Mekonnen, S Mulatu, BT Legesse, MA Messelu, FD Baye, BA Tilaye, ... (2025). Incidence of mortality and its predictors among HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy in Amhara region: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 51 (1), 68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-025-01872-5
22. DT Daka, B Wakuma, W Etafa, D Temesgen Chewaka, A Zewdie, ... (2025). Community-based newborn care utilization and associated factors in Nekemte City, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023. BMC Pediatrics, 25 (1), 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05337-2
23. WT Wondie, CA Wubneh, BT Legesse, GB Mekonen, AB Zemariam, ... (2025). Mortality and predictors among HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 20 (1), e0317048. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317048
24. GD Gedefaw, AM Lakew, ZA Gebreegzabiher, DT Daka, MK Hailu, ... (2024). Number of Seizures and Associated Factors Among Neonates with Perinatal Asphyxia Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Selected Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals of Ethiopia. Research and Reports in Neonatology, 97-108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/RRN.S451450
25. GD Gedefaw, AG Abuhay, DT Daka, WT Wondie, AT Gonete, FB Getaneh, ... (2024). Time to recovery and its predictors among neonates undergone phototherapy at Comprehensive Specialized hospitals of the Northwest Ethiopia. Scientific Reports, 14 (1), 31665. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80964-4
26. GD Gedefaw, DT Worku, ME Ayenew, AT Abate, BT Legesse (2024). Congenital Plasmodium vivax in a 3-day-old neonate: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 18 (1), 558. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04879-4

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

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.