New batch of nurses takes Florence Nightingale pledge at SMIMS

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 04 July: The Eighth Lamp Lighting Ceremony of 2011 batch of the College of Nursing of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Science [SMIMS] was held at the SMIMS auditorium today. On the occasion, the students of the 2011 batch took the 'Florence Nightingale pledge'.
Florence Nightingale also known as Lady with the Lamp and as a tribute to Florence Nightingale’s dedication, the lamp icon became symbolic with Nursing. The tradition of lamp lighting and pledge recognize her ideals before a student nurse steps into the world of nursing and before following the steps of Lady Nightingale. It was mentioned that the ceremony provides the opportunity, guiding the students and making them aware of the responsibility they carry as a nurse.
In her address, Sikkim Women’s Commission Chairperson, Subhadhra Rai, who was present as the chief guest, mentioned that the lamp lighting ceremony was a remarkable occasion for the nursing students. She mentioned that lighting of the lamp also symbolizes eradication of ignorance and passing of knowledge. She further congratulated the students for choosing a noble job like nursing.
SMU Vice-Chancellor, Brig Somnath Mishra mentioned that all hospitals and centres providing medical care cannot do without nurses and added that there are huge job opportunities in this field. The Vice Chancellor mentioned that this lamp lighting ceremony is an important event in a nurse’s career.
He congratulated the students and the College of Nursing for their performance.
SMU Pro Vice Chancellor and SMIMS Dean, Dr TSK Singh mainly spoke about the large employment opportunities in-and-outside the country in nursing. He highlighted that due to an increase in the number of hospitals and health centres there is huge demand for nurses everywhere in the world. He also highly appreciated the services provided by the students of the college in the aftermath of last year’s earthquake.
Principal of the college, Prof Mridula Das presented the annual report of the college. She highlighted on the academics, clinical and other activities of the college. She also informed about the role played by nursing students of the college in last year’s earthquake where they provided their services to the people of different areas in Gangtok.