Mangaluru: The Nurses Week celebration was inaugurated at 7:15 AM on Tuesday, May 7 at the Asha Kiran grounds.
Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMMCH) inaugurated the nurse’s week by lighting the Nightingale lamp.
Chief Guest Dr. Manjunath Kulkarni, Head of Nephrology Department, FMMCH unveiled a plaque bearing the theme of the International Nurses Day 2019 and enlightened the nurses on the theme and lauded the nursing fraternity at the Father Muller Medical College Hospital for their dedication to the profession. He remarked that the nurses at Father Muller always demonstrated a soft corner to the weakest segment of the public.
The Director, Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho, delivered the presidential address and acknowledged the nurses for their tireless contributions in healing and comforting the sick brethren at the hospital.
The Nursing Service Department had organised literary, art, sports and games competitions for the nurses and hospital assistants from April 22 to May 3, prior to the official inaugural celebrations.
A test on the topic, ‘Continuing Nursing Education’ was conducted on April 29. The faculty of the school and college of nursing, nurses, hospital assistants and technicians were divided into seven teams to facilitate active participation from all the quarters.
An informative panel discussion on the theme of the year was organised on May 7, 8 and 10.
The International Nurses Day 2019 celebration began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 7.30 AM at the St. Joseph Chapel. Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho was the main celebrant.
During his homily, Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho preached that nursing was not only a profession but a vocation. He emphasised on the words of Prophet Jeremiah, that we were chosen much before we were formed in the womb of our mother and the Lord will pave the way for us, if we seek His Divine assistance. “Nurses are called to serve by partaking in the healing ministry of the Lord. The nurses offered their gifts during the offertory procession which were later distributed to the homes of the poor and sick.
At 11.30 AM, the felicitation and finale of the Nurses Week was celebrated at the Academy Hall. A prayer dance was performed by the nurses. Dr. Larissa Martha Sams, Principal of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing graced the programme as the chief guest and Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho presided over the programme. Rev. Sr. Janet D’Souza, Chief Nursing Officer, accorded a warm welcome to the gathering. It was followed by a tribute to two stalwarts for their services to the ailing society, Rev. Fr. Augustus Muller, Founder of Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Florence Nightingale, Founder of Modern Nursing. Their portraits were garlanded by Director Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho and Dr. Larissa Martha Sams, Principal of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing. A report of the activities and events of the Nurses Week 2019 was read out by Lavina Nazareth, Assistant Nursing Superintendent.
Jacintha Rodrigues was honoured for her selfless contributions in serving the sick and suffering at these Institutions in various capacities. In her message to the nurses, she said, “You are called to be nurse by God. Today, it is your vocation and profession. Live your profession with pride and dignity. Our patients are our customers and every customer would like an unwavering attention. While in the ward, concentrate on your assignments and complete your tasks diligently. While at the bedside of your patients, wear a genuine smile on your face, speak to them politely, treat them with respect and leave them with words of assurance. May your kindness on your patients draw blessings in abundance from the Almighty.”
The highest scorers of the test were commended by Chief Guest Dr. Larissa Martha Sams. The Rolling Trophy was received by the Sunflower team led by Harish K B, Ward In-charge from Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa. Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysuis Coelho awarded the nurses for their outstanding performance during the year 2019. Gracy D’Souza received the Best Ward In-charge Award. Vijay Stany D’Souza was conferred with the Best Senior Staff Nurse. Sharal Reshma D’Souza was awarded for securing the highest marks in CNE test. Sheral Crasta was adjudged the Best Staff Nurse and Janet Fernandes, the Best Hospital Assistant.
Dr. Larissa Martha Sams’ message to the nurses was very informative and encouraging. She spoke of the recognition of nurses in policy making in the Ministry of Health, Government of India. She also encouraged nurses to work as a team. She made the nurses aware of the licentiate examination that would be mandatory for nurses in India to work after their completion of their course and NRPS would be a smart card of the nurses.
The nurses also felt very encouraged with the message by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa. He stressed on the truth that nursing was not only a profession and vocation but also a mission. He went on say that nurses work tirelessly day in and day out with a remuneration that will not make up for all that they are really doing. He called nursing a mission calling it as an extension of the healing ministry of the Lord.
Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho congratulated the nurses on them forming the largest and the most effective working force. He was overjoyed as he announced that nurses of Father Muller Medical College Hospital were highly appreciated for their services.
The felicitation programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Sr. Jacintha D’Souza, Principal of Father Muller College of Nursing, followed by a short cultural programme and lunch.
