Mangaluru: 'Nurse Week' was observed by Father Muller College of Nursing starting Sunday, May 7, at Asha Kiran ground. The celebrations culminated in the International Nurses Day celebration that was held on Friday, May 12.

After invoking the blessings of the almighty, Sr Janet D’Souza, the chief nursing officer, welcomed the gathering. The inaugural ceremony began with the lighting of the Nightingale lamp by Sr Jacintha D’Souza, principal of Father Muller College of Nursing. The chief guest, Dr Padmaja Udaykumar unveiled the plaque bearing the theme of this year's International Nurses Day.

The most impressive item of the inaugural was the release of the doves by Fr Richard Coelho, director of the institution. The doves set loose was symbolic of the peace spread that nurses' service.

Dignitaries and the nurses released a bunch of balloons spreading the joy of the Nurses Week throughout the city. This was followed by a message by Dr Padmaja. She appreciated the nurses for their selfless services round the clock. She stressed on the fact that no profession begins as early in the day, as that of a nurse. And it extended through the late hours of the night, she said.

In his presidential address, the director, Fr Richard Coelho addressed the nurses as 'angels from heaven'

The inaugural event ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Malini Noronha, assistant nursing superintendent, Father Muller Medical College Hospital.

The Nursing Service Department organised various literary and art activities like rangoli, collage, wealth out of waste, food without fire, thematic group fancy dress on the theme 'nurses at their best' and hairdressing. The quiz competition helped the nurses brush up their knowledge of patient safety and hospital infection control measures. Spot games were also held.

Prior to the official Inaugural, events were organised for the nurses and hospital assistants from April 20 to May 6 wherein the staff nurses were divided into five teams to facilitate active participations from all quarters.

An informative panel discussion on the year's theme was organised on May 3 and 4.

Nurse Day commemoration

The observance of the International Nurses Day at Father Muller Charitable Institution, on May began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the St Joseph Chapel. Fr Richard Coelho, the director, was the main celebrant. The nurses offered their gifts during the offertory procession which were distributed among the low-income employees of the institution.

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.

Sr Janet D’Souza, chief nursing officer, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, welcomed the gathering

A tribute was paid to the two stalwarts for their services to the ailing society - Fr Augustus Muller, founder of Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. Their portraits were garlanded by Fr Richard Coelho, director of FMMCH, Dr Lavina Noronha, chief guest and director, Ave Maria Palliative Home, Vamanjoor, as a sign of respect.

A report of the activities and events of the Nurses Week was read out by Darryl Aranha, deputy chief nursing officer.

Sr Emma Joseph was honoured for her selfless services in the Institutions as the nursing superintendent. She recalled her days at the institution and stressed that nurses need to make a difference in the lives of people they touch.

Dr Lavina Noronha appreciated the services of the nurses and lauded the sacrificial services of the angels of mercy. The newly appointed principal of College of Nursing, Sr Jacintha D’Souza acknowledged the work of nurses both at the bedside and in the classroom.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of the various competitions organised for nurses’ week. The nurses from the group Platinum rejoiced, as they triumphantly received the rolling trophy from the director, for securing the highest score in the competitions.

Fr Richard Coelho congratulated the nurses and praised them by addressing then nurses as angels of friendship, on occasion. He called upon the nurses to share love as an antidote to anger, agitation and worry, to carry the virtues of kindness and patience. He further emphasised that Father Muller Institution stands tall, as nursing is its strength.

The felicitation programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sr Ellen Marie, the nursing superintendent. A short cultural programme and lunch followed.