Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore
Mangalore, May 14: In order to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of nursing Florence Nightingale, the nursing service department of Fr Muller Medical College Hospital organized a week long celebration at the institutions which concluded on Saturday May 12.
The programme on Saturday May 12 started with a Eucharistic celebration at where Fr Patrick Rodrigues, the director of the hospital, was the main celebrant who thanked the work of nurses. Administrator Fr Rudolph D’Sa preached a meaningful homily and called upon the nurses to show forth psycho spiritual love toward the patients. At 11 am was the finale.
Fr Richard Coelho, administrator of the hospital, was the president of the programme and asked the nurses to be more challenging, dedicated, and render tender loving care. Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator of the Medical College, College and School of Nursing, conducted a quiz and distributed sweets.
Sophie Rodrigues, alumna, School of Nursing, was the chief guest, who exhorted the nurses to be sincere and honest to the profession, learn more about evidence, and serve with tender loving care to the ill and those suffering.
Sr Lucy Rodrigues, former nursing superintendent, was honoured as veteran nurse for her valuable contribution to the nursing profession. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions. The rolling trophy is initiated for the overall best performance in different activities. Seemati Paul, continuing nursing education co-ordinator, summarized the report of ‘Nurses Week’. Darryl Aranha, deputy nursing superintendent welcomed the gathering and Sr Aileen Mathias, nursing superintendent, proposed the vote of thanks.
Earlier, the Nurses Week was solemnly inaugurated in the presence of staff nurses, hospital assistants, director Fr Rodrigues, and administrators Fr Coelho, and Fr D’Sa. The inaugural programme began with invocation of God’s blessings on the day and for the rest of the week. Sr Mathias delivered the welcome address and introduced the chief guest Dr Paul K A, deputy medical superintendent, FMMCH, to the gathering which was followed by the official inauguration involving lighting of the ‘Nightingale Lamp’. Sr Aileen officially announced the International Nurses Day theme – ‘Closing the Gap: From Evidence to Action’ by cutting the ribbon on the life size figure of Florence Nightingale.
Aranha, deputy nursing superintendent, FMMCH, unfolded the theme. She spoke on what the theme meant quoting examples of various researches on evidence-based practice and encouraged the nurses.
Chief guest Dr Paul K A, in his message, threw light on the need to be logical and ethical in our dealings while at work in the hospital, and stressed the importance of documentation in health care delivery. The presidential address was delivered by Fr Rodrigues who congratulated the nurses and wished them the very best for the days to follow.
Seemati Paul, assistant nursing superintendent, FMMCH, enlightened the gathering on the events for celebrating the Nurses Week and also announced the topic for the essay writing competition and various events to be held.