Nurses: The Heart of Health care

“Nurses are not just a force for change but a force to reckon with. Without them, we are disabled,” said Dr Vikeyie Losou, Managing Director of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), during the International Nurses’ Day held on May 12. Under the theme, ‘Nurses: A Force for Change- a vital resource for health,’ the International Nurses Day was commemorated in Kohima at the DBT Conference Hall, NHAK.

Tiamenla Jamir, Secretary, Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), local branch Kohima, who chaired the event, said that nurses have come a long way in a few short decades. She stated that in the past, the focus of Nurses was on physical, mental and emotional healing and now the focus is on healing lives, the environment and the planet.

“Nurses are the largest health professionals and only available health workers to the population. They are at the heart of our health care,” said Watimongla, Vice Principal, School of Nursing, NHAK; who gave an introduction to the theme. She focused on redefining nursing workforce planning, nursing workload measurement, improving learning and outcomes and importance of environment.

 Dr Vikeyie reminded the nurses present at the event about Florence Nightingale, whose personality brought historical recognition to the nursing profession. Nightingale had once stated, ‘I have simply done my Master’s work.’ Referring to this quote, Dr Vikeyie asserted that Nursing is a calling from God and added, “As you step into the profession, you will touch the hearts and lives of the sick. Words we utter can have a great impact on a person lying on the sick bed. We can either boost a sick person or defeat his spirit through our words.”

Dr Vikeyie also exhorted the nurses to embrace technology in every step of the way and develop a progressive attitude. “We take back what we give. If you see someone or your patient without a smile, why don’t you give him a smile of yours,” added Dr. Vikeyie.

Each year, the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale is celebrated as International Nurses’ Day and events are initiated to engage the public by organizing events such as sports and talks in schools and colleges. This year the TNAI Kohima branch decided to visit the patients at NHAK and contribute monetary donations. Tiamenla Jamir expressed hope that Nurses’ Day gets embedded in public conscience and that it becomes an annual celebration.