DIMAPUR — The School of Nursing, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on Tuesday celebrated its platinum jubilee on the theme “Nurturing nurses, transforming lives: Celebrating a legacy” at Molu Ki in Merhûlietsa colony.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest and minister for Health and Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, encouraged the nurses to look at nursing beyond hospitals like home care service and palliative care.
Asserting that nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, Konyak said embracing technological advancements is vital as it would enhance their roles, improve patient care and contribute to the evolution of the healthcare delivery system in a rapidly changing digital world.
He also reminded the nurses to be cautious of the ethical and legal considerations related to data security and patient confidentiality stating that understanding to navigate those concerns would ensure trust and adherence to legal standards.
Remembering all the former and present dedicated faculty of the School of Nursing, he said their commitment to innovation, patient-centred care and academic excellence have set a high standard for nursing education.
He also informed that the central government has sanctioned two nursing colleges attached to medical colleges namely Nagaland Institute of Medical Science & Research (NIMSR) in Kohima and the other in the upcoming Mon Medical College.
Konyak also informed that the state government is contemplating to increase the number of schools of nursing besides the existing ones in Kohima, Mokokchung and Tuensang by introducing a school of nursing in almost all the districts to impart training for job opportunities and also make nursing a viable and rewarding career choice for many.
Since the Auxiliary Nurse and Midwifery/ Female Health Workers (ANM/ FHW) and staff nurse are covered with the same service rule, he stated that the department has proposed to fill up all vacant posts of staff nurse on the same principle of 50:50, that is 50 percent through direct recruitment by Nagaland Public Service Commission and 50 percent through queue system upto the 2020 batch as has been allotted to ANM/ FHW.
The guest of honour and principal director of Medical department, Dr. Motsuthung Patton, while elaborating the full form of NURSE as Noble, Understanding, Responsible, Sympathy and Efficient, stated that nursing is a noble profession which demands dedication, compassion and a deep sense of service to humanity.
Dr. Patton also asserted that constant support and attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon.
“Nurse always gives hope to patients,” he said, while also describing them as superheroes who work hard every day and night to ensure that patients live healthy and happy lives.
The principal director also acknowledged the founding members, teachers and students, both past and present, of the school for their contribution by providing quality nursing education and bringing the school thus far.
The former principal of College of Nursing at CIHSR, Chümoukedima, Dr. Christy Simpson, spoke on the theme of the celebration.
The principal of SoN NHAK, S Tiakala Longkumer, also spoke on the occasion, while greetings were shared by retired state nursing superintendent, Kelhoungu-u Temsu, and retired joint director of Nursing, L Abenla Jamir.
A song was presented by alumni of SoN, NHAK.