Mangalore: Father Muller Hosts National Conference on Nursing

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Oct 6: A national conference on 'Renaissance in Nursing' organized by the nursing administration department and the second MSc nursing (2011-13) batch of Father Muller College of Nursing was inaugurated at Father Muller Medical College Hospital premises on Saturday October 6 at 9.30 am.

Professor Dr B V Kathyayani, principal, Dr M V Shetty College of Nursing was the chief guest. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director, FMCI, presided over the function. Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator, FMCON, and Sr Winfred D’Souza, principal were also present on the dais.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Kathyayani expressed her gratitude and privilege to be a part of the national conference. She congratulated the organizing committee for selecting the topic, Renaissance, which she said was the need of the hour.

"Nurses render their service selflessly and their work is a sensitive one as compared to other healthcare sectors, but they are not getting recognized like others. Florence Nightingale was the one who took up the task of reforming and giving identity to nursing. Nursing is the largest unit in the heathcare sector, but there is lack of counseling in many places. Deliberation of this conference is an eye opener for all the problems faced by the nursing sector," she said.

Fr Patrick Rodrigues, in his presidential address, said that nursing was first initiated in Europe as a religious practice with the motto 'Love Thy Neighbours'. "In the early 60s, renaissance began in the field of nursing with religious congregations. After this period, the rich and royal families in Europe and Italy started the hospitals, the place for the sick. Later came Florence Nightingale, the architect of modern nursing, who in turn reformed it," he said.

Blending of clinical competence with human qualities will make a nurse successful and thus lead towards the way to renaissance, he added.

Fr Denis D'Sa explained the meaning of renaissance as revival or rebirth. He also urged the students to follow the ideas put forth by Dr Kathyayani.

Sr Tina Catherine welcomed. Seema Chavan introduced the chief guest. Thecla Sebastin proposed the vote of thanks.