ASIA SPEAKS NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR 15 MAY: The Nursing colleges of Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora i.e., Syed Mantaqui Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, in collaboration with Alamdar Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, Chari Sharif, celebrated International Nurses Day-2024 on 15th May, 2024 at Auditorium Academic Block III of IUST. The theme for this year, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care,” highlighted the significant and pivotal influence of nursing on both personal well-being and the economic perspective of care.
The program was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Chief Guest and Dean of Academic Affairs; Prof. Waseem Ahmad Bari, Registrar of IUST, who served as the Guest of Honour; Prof. Ayub Qadri, Dean of Health Sciences, also honored as a Guest of Honour; Prof. Dr. Muneera Bashir, Principal of MMINSR, esteemed Guest of Honour; Ms. Asmat Parveen, founder principal of SMMCN&MT, IUST; and Prof. Dr. Zamrooda Mushtaq AMCN&MT. Additionally, esteemed faculty members and students from Syed Mantaqui Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, as well as Alamdar Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, IUST, were also present on the occasion.
In his address speech, Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, Chief Guest and Dean of Academic Affairs conveyed the contributions of Hazrat Al-Rudfaida Al-aslamia R.A in the field of nursing. He stressed that her legacy should be carried on further by our young and aspiring nursing professionals. He also proposed to name the Gold medal given for outstanding contribution in nursing education at IUST as Al-Rudfaida Al-aslamia Gold medal. He emphasized on the importance of empathy, physical endurance, emotional strength, critical thinking, and development of problem-solving skills in nursing. He highlighted that nursing is the most sought profession in contemporary times given the nobility and employability attached to this profession. He further assured to elevate the nursing program at IUST by initiating the master’s program in nursing and expanding available seats.
Prof. Waseem Ahmad Bari, Registrar of IUST, the Guest of Honour, congratulated the faculty and students of nursing colleges on the eve of International Nurses day. He elaborated on the correlation between physics and nursing.
He emphasized that the human body functions as a complex system, and nurses should focus their efforts on promoting physical, spiritual, ideological, and overall well-being within this system. He underscored the importance of critical decision making in nursing, and further discussed the futuristic plans for advancing the nursing program at IUST.
Prof. Ayub Qadri, Dean school of Health Sciences, IUST, also graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. He expressed his gratitude to nurses for their kind and compassionate care. He underscored that globally, there is a shortage of nurses by 14 million, thereby leading to burnouts. He emphasized the remarkable progress within the nursing profession, noting the emergence of independent schools of nursing. These institutions have played a pivotal role in enhancing public health and tackling the myriad challenges faced by the global healthcare sector.
Prof. Dr. Muneera Bashir, Principal of MMINSR, esteemed Guest of Honour deliberated her address with congratulatory remarks. She also focused on importance of developing communication skills in nursing professionals. She emphasized on taking care of spiritual and ethical wellbeing of patients. She cited many examples from developed countries who have empowered nurses in decision making processes, thereby enhancing the patient outcomes.
Prof. Dr. Zamrooda Mushtaq, principal, AMCN&MT addressed the audience by giving her valuable insights on the importance of celebrating nurses day. She unfolded this year’s theme, and highlighted the significant contributions made by nurses in tackling the pandemic. Furthermore, she underscored the challenges faced by nurses worldwide such as shortage and burnout. She thanked every nursing personnel for their kindness, compassion and healing touch.
Ms. Asmat Parveen, Founder Principal, SMMCN &MT, IUST gave insightful remarks about the day and selected theme. During her address, Ms. Asmat Parveen, noted that the International Council of Nurses (ICN), comprising over 130 national nursing associations globally and advocating for the interests of over 28 million nurses worldwide, has selected the theme for this year as “Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care.” This theme underscores the critical need to recognize, safeguard, honor, and invest in nurses to ensure a sustainable future in nursing and healthcare. Drawing upon numerous examples and reports provided by esteemed academicians and reputable journals, Ms. Asmat Parveen underscored the pervasive issue of inadequate recognition, benefits, compensation, career advancement opportunities, and other privileges afforded to nurses. This deficiency often serves as a catalyst for nurses seeking employment opportunities overseas, contributing significantly to the phenomenon of nurse migration in India. Citing a report published by JAMA Network Open, Ms. Asmat emphasized that the findings of this report highlight that nearly one-third of nurses who left their jobs mentioned burnout, aggravated by COVID-19 stress and overload. A 2020 national turnover rate of 19.1% was found, with 18% of new nurses switching jobs within a year of graduating. Furthering on the theme, Ms. Asmat discussed the recommendations of The International Council of Nurses’ Charter for Change in the form of 10 policy steps for governments and employers to create and sustain safe, affordable, accessible, and responsive healthcare systems to make nurses visible and indispensable. The policy points emphasised on nurse leadership, investment in nursing to protect them, support for nurse’s wellbeing, investment in nursing education, modernizing regulation and investing in advanced nursing practice, recognition of nursing efforts, reframing financial policies, and advocacy for vulnerable population. Ms Asmat Parveen further stressed that aspiring nurses are advised to wholeheartedly embrace this noble vocation, recognising it not just as a route to personal development but also as a way to make a positive impact on society amid challenging times. She expressed that aspiring nurses are advised to wholeheartedly embrace this noble vocation, recognising it not just as a route to personal development but also as a way to make a positive impact on society amid challenging times. She concluded her speech by highlighting achievements of faculty of nursing at SMMCN&MT, as their work has been acknowledged by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This acknowledgment is a major achievement since it is the first time a considerable grant has been awarded in the field of nursing in India. Finally, she extended her warm wishes once more to everyone on International Nurses Day.
Vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Asifah, faculty at AMCN&MT, and Co-organizing secretary of the event. She thanked all the persons involved in the successful conduct of this program. Earlier welcome address was presented by Ms. Mubashir Bashir, faculty at SMMCN&MT, and organizing secretary of the event. She welcomed all the dignitaries, experts, faculty and students with warm welcome.