Nurses – the Angels of Mercy! 118 Nursing Students Graduate from LMCN
Nurses-the Angels of Mercy to the patients! 118 Nursing Students Graduate from Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing (LMCN)
“No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this – ‘devoted and obedient’. I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse. I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results. The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm. To understand God’s thoughts one must study statistics… the measure of his purpose. There is no part of my life, upon which I can look back without pain.”-Florence Nightingale
Mangaluru: The Graduation Day ceremony and Annual Day celebrations of Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing (LMCN) – Mangaluru (a unit of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust) for the Post graduates, Graduates and Diploma holders in Nursing was held on 9th March 2017 in AJ Institute of Medical Sciences Auditorium-Mangaluru. A graduation ceremony is a pageant celebrating the transition from student to graduate and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their life. 118 graduates all dressed to thrill in their graduation gowns, and who were about to receive their certificate and medal were all beaming with smile and pride as they were ready to enter the hall for the big celebrations, amidst their teachers, parents and college-mates.
The function commenced with the entry of graduates in a beautiful “Graduation March” by the way of traditional pattern with flowers and balloons all around followed by the dignitaries of the occasion. And now as these Nursing graduates of LMCN emerge out of the campus and look forward to serving the community, they will be a great asset to the needy patients who are anticipating their dedicated and professional services. The programme commenced with an invocation dance, followed by a heart welcoming speech delivered by Prof. Shivakumara PJ, Dept of Mental Health Nursing. The august dignitaries on the dais, Chief Guest Dr Sr Celcy Mary- Principal, St John’s College of Nursing, Bengaluru, along with other dignitaries namely Prashanth Shetty-Director, AJIMS; Dr Larissa Martha Sams- Principal, LMCN; Dr Theresa L Mendonca- Vice Principal, LMCN; Shivakumara PJ- Professor, Dept of Mental Health; Dr Diana Lobo- Prof. and HOD, Nursing Foundation Dept.; Sandhya D’Almeida- Asst. Prof. Dept. of OBG Nursing; Dr Theresa Mathias- Prof. and HOD, Mental Health; and Dr Jennifer D’Souza- Prof. and HOD, Community Health Nursing (all of LMCN);- lighted the ceremonial lamp.
Dr Larissa Martha Sams, outlined the annual college report, while Olin Mariam Saji- Vice President of Student Nursing Association gave the report on SNA. Sandhya D Almeida, recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge and the students recapitulated it, committing themselves to the noble profession. Chief Guest of the day Dr. Sr. Celcy Mary, conferred the candidates with medals and certificates and enlightened the graduates that they are the true ambassadors of this institution to alleviate suffering, inspire and innovate their service through integrity, compassion and loyalty. Speaking further she said, “All of you full-fledged nurses who have now stepped into this fertile and promising field of nursing, as full-fledged professionals would be competent to provide professional care to the sick and needy. You are willingly embracing this dedicated profession which has its branches rooted in service to humanity from time immemorial”.
“To all you graduates I say you need to use three H’s- Heart, Head and Hand. Heart- the nurse must work through her own feelings and emotions to be able to help the patients, which can be difficult at times; Head- Technology and treatments are always evolving, but there is no substitute for a knowledgeable, confident nurse who takes the time to care for patients’ physical and psychological needs; Hand- Nurses care for their patients selflessly, often working long hours under gruelling conditions to provide care. Elevate, Inspire, Innovate and Energise- these are the action words” added Sr Celcy.
Sr Celcy further said, Quoting a famous writer, “Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off”. In other words, let passion dictate the 86,400 seconds you share with the world each day. This profession of caring is passed from generation to generation. You have entered into this dynamic profession, ready to face the challenges of today. There may be many hurdles on your way, but you can overcome them. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not experimenting. You’re not trying new approaches. Therefore never give up – try, try and try. So dream to be better ME. Celebrate the beginning, the being and becoming, God bless you all” On behalf of the graduating nursing students, Anita Susan Babu, a nursing graduate spoke a few words of wisdom.
Prashanth Shetty, awarded the graduates with the mementoes and class toppers with the prizes and delivered the Presidential address and highlighted the graduates to be polite, humble and contribute selflessly to the society. He further said, “I feel proud of all because you have brought quite a few laurels and name for your college. Your hard work and dedication have really paid good results. You all have achieved success in your college, now serve the community with pride with what you have learned at LMCP. In the medical field, nurses play an important role. Make the best use of the knowledge that you have gained and help the society. Ranks don’t matter much, but your service and commitment to your duties count a lot. Now that you are moving out of the college and will be serving those patients in need, you should be an asset to the community through your dedicated services. Utilise your talents and knowledge that you gained from your college. Be ready to help someone who is in need of medical assistance. Wish you all best of luck and success in your future endeavours”.
Dr Theresa Leonilda Mendonca delivered the vote of thanks, while the entire programme was professionally compered by Raina Roopal Menezes-Jr Lecturer and Cleeta Rodrigues-Asst. Lecturer, both at LMCN. The formal function ended with mind-blowing dances and songs by the talented nursing students, who unleashed their hidden talents thereby mesmerising the audience, and gaining loud applaud. The special attraction of the evening was the skit by the teaching staff of LMCN, who enthralled the audience to receive a thunderous applaud. It was indeed a glittering and glamorous “Ceremony” well organised. Around 118 graduates, their guests and other invitees brought a grandeur atmosphere to the occasion.
In conclusion, Nursing, as Florence Nightingale would tell you, is a noble profession. It’s all about caring, self-sacrifice, and a whole lot of patience. Yes. Nursing is a freaking hard job. But if you forget about how big (or small) your salary is and focus more on what you can offer to the suffering patients, you will always enjoy coming to work every day. You are the hospitality of the hospital. You are the heart of the hospital. Nurses lead very demanding lives. Working with doctors, healing patients and educating the communities are just a few of the responsibilities nurses perform on a daily basis.
In fact, you could say that nurses are the backbone of our healthcare care system, providing us with the attention and medical care that we need to live healthy long-lasting lives. Sometimes being a nurse can be exhausting at times, but the knowledge and power to help heal others are what keeps them going in challenging times. They come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal. You have all taken up a very professional career to love and serve the sick. Keep up the good work that you all entrusted with, and God will surely bless you. Have a successful nursing profession. To all the nurses a big thank you for caring and healing those in the hour of medical attention.
I end this report with thought provoking words by Jonathan Lockwood Huie- “Grant that I may radiate Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy Healing, Thy Joy, and Thy Peace to all those around me and all those in my thoughts this day and evermore.” Long live the Nurses- the Angels of Mercy to the patients!