NURSES WEEK CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 2019
The
Nurse’s Week celebration was inaugurated on Tuesday, 7th May 2019 at
the Asha Kiran grounds at 7:15am. After
invoking the blessings of the Almighty, Ms Deena Semento, Assistant Nursing
Superintendent, welcomed the gathering. The Nurses Week was inaugurated with
the lighting the Nightingale lamp by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director,
Father Muller Charitable Institutions.
The Chief Guest, Dr Manjunath Kulkarni, Head of the Nephrology
Department, FMMCH unveiled the plaque bearing the theme of the International
Nurses Day 2019 and enlightened the nurses on the theme and appreciated the
nursing fraternity at the Father Muller Medical College Hospital for their
dedication to the profession. He compared the commitment of the nurses at
Father Muller to where he worked earlier and 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 entire less contributions in healing and comforting the sick brethren at
the hospital. The Inaugural event ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms
Eliza Monterio, Assistant Nursing Superintendent, Father Muller Medical College
Hospital.
Taking into consideration the
time factor, the Nursing Service Department organised literary- art
competitions and sports - games. These
events were organised for the nurses and hospital assistants from 22nd April
to 3rd May 2019 prior to the official Inaugural celebrations. A test
on the Continuing Nursing Education topics was conducted on 29th of
April 2019. The faculty of the school and college of nursing, nurses hospital
assistants and technicians were divided into seven teams to facilitate active
participations from all quarters. There was indeed an active participation in
all activities. A Panel Discussion on the theme of the year was organised on 7th,
8th and 10th of May 2019. It was informative and well
appreciated by the audience
The
observance of the International Nurses Day 2019 at Father Muller Charitable
Institution began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 7:30 a.m. at the St.
Joseph Chapel, thanking God for his showers of blessings on the nurses. Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, the Director,
Father Muller Charitable Institutions, was the main celebrant. During his
homily, Rev Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho preached that nursing is 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 and these were distributed
to the homes of the poor and sick
At 11:30
a.m., the felicitation and finale of the Nurses Week was celebrated at the
Academy Hall. A prayer dance performed by the nurses filled the ambience with
awe. Dr Larissa Martha Sams, Principal of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing
graced the programme as the Chief Guest and Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho,
the Director of the Institutions was the President of 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 Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius
Coelho, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Dr Larissa Martha
Sams, Principal of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing as a sign of respect. A report of the activities and events of the
Nurses Week 2019 was read out by Ms Lavina Nazareth, Assistant Nursing
Superintendent.
Mrs
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 to be attended to with undisturbed attention. While in the ward,
concentrate in your assignments and complete your task diligently. While at the
bed side of your patients, wear a genuine smile on your face, speak to your
patients politely, treat your patients with respect and leave your patients
with words of assurance. May your kindness to your patients draw blessings in
abundance from the Almighty.â€
The
highest scorers of the test were congratulated by Dr Larissa Martha Sams, the
Chief Guest. The Rolling Trophy bagged by the Sunflower team lead by Mr Harish
KB, Ward in-charge was presented by Rev. Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa. The Director,
Rev. Fr Richard Aloysuis Coelho awarded the nurses for their outstanding
performance during the year 2019. Ms Gracy D’Souza was awarded as Best Ward
In-charge. Mr Vijay Stany D’Souza ​was awarded as Best ​Senior Staff Nurse​. Ms
Sharal Reshma D’Souza ​ had been awarded for securing the highest marks in CNE
test. Ms Sheral Crasta had been awarded as Best ​Staff Nurse​ and Ms Janet Fernandes
​was awarded as Best ​Hospital Assistant​.
The
Chief Guest, 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 of nurses in India to work after their completion of their course and
the NRPS which would be a smart card of the nurses.
The
nurses also felt very encouraged with the message of the Administrator, Rev. Fr
Rudolph Ravi D’Sa. He stressed on the truth that nursing is 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 as it is an extension
of the healing ministry of the Lord.
Rev Fr
Richard Coelho, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions congratulated
the nurses as they comprise the largest and the most effective working force.
He was overjoyed as he announced that nurses of Father Muller Medical College
Hospital are highly appreciated for their services. He also added that the most
loved and the largest working force are the nurses. He cheered the nurses and
encouraged them to carry a genuine smile and approach the patient with empathy.
The Director blessed the nurses as he concluded his message.
The
felicitation programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Rev Sr Jacintha
D’Souza, Principal of Father Muller College of Nursing and it was followed by a
short cultural programme and lunch.
