PROF. PATRICIA UCHEOMA UKAIGWE

Prof. Patricia U. Ukaigwe is a well-respected title holder and a devoted Christian. She is highly principled but friendly and accommodating. Teamwork, respect and love for humanity are characteristic features evident in her sacrifices and selfless services. A seasoned educator, administrator and clinician, her professional nursing career began upon graduation from the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria, and licensed by the Nursing and of Midwifery Council of Nigeria as Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife in July 1981 and September 1983 respectively. She also obtained a diploma in orthopedic nursing from National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu prior to migrating to America to join her husband, Hon. Albert Onyema Ukaigwe, KSC/KJW; and blessed with three adult children, Ezinne Joy, Ikenna Kenneth, and Tochi Michael.

Prof Ukaigwe believes in lifelong learning, values education and advocates for proper training of nurses at all levels. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from New Jersey City University, Master of Science in Transcultural Nursing Administration and Community Health from Kean University, and Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on organizational leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), all in New Jersey, USA. Other certifications include Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education, Post Master’s Certificate in Distance Education – Online Teaching, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Neonatal  Intensive Care Nursing, and Legal Nurse Consultant to name a few.

Dr. Ukaigwe is a Maternal-Child fellow of the West African Post Graduate College for Nurses and Midwives (FWAPCNM), as well as Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow, and a Distinguished Alumina of the School of Nursing, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (SONUNTH) Enugu. In seeking creative ways to foster learning that promote quality patient care, she developed preceptors’ program to equip new graduates entering the profession with the necessary skill-set and mentoring program for nursing faculty. In addition, she developed the  “Patient Satisfaction a Must for Nurses” Project Protocol adopted by National Association of Nigeria Nurses in North America (NANNNA) to address attitudes of professional nurses in Nigeria to healthcare and caregiving. She enjoys the activities that enabled her to teach across the nursing curriculum, from basic nursing to doctorate nursing programs.

Besides teaching, Ukaigwe is active in professional and community activities. She represented Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in United Nations (CoNGO – NGO) and participated in the planning of the Department of Public Information annual (UN/DPI NGO) conference in Melbourne Australia. In addition, she developed partnerships between FDU and two universities in Ghana and Nigeria. A proud Nigeria Diaspora Nurse, she is a leader in the National Association of Nigeria Nurses in North America, and the immediate past president of school of nursing, university of Nigeria teaching hospital (SONUNTH) alumni in USA.  She is also a member of STTI Nursing Honor Society and has served in various capacities as chapter Vice President, Leadership Succession Chairperson, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Educational event planning Coordinator etc.

Prof Ukaigwe’s prior research focused on special health needs of the vulnerable population – children and adults with chronic illness and the impact of the illness on their families. Currently she is working on developing and strengthening nursing education program in Nigeria.  She has authored and co-authored books and professional materials and /or publications as well as reviewed and still reviews abstracts.