It is that time of the year again when students and pupils reap the successes of their efforts in their educational journeys.
And for the nurses that graduated today from the Nursing Orientation Program, this was a culmination of all the hard work and acquired patience and commitment to complete their learning and obtain higher qualifications.
64 walked down the aisle of the Ministry of Health’s conference room this morning to receive their certificates and diplomas and be pinned as registered nurses.
The look of gratification and joy was seen on the faces of the graduates and witnessed with the cheering and clapping from family and friends that attended the ceremony.
The ceremony was hosted by the Samoa Nursing and Midwifery Council and was the Registration Ceremony for Nurses and Midwives Graduates.
Minister of Health Valasi Luapitofanua Togamaga Tafito Selesele in his keynote address urged the young professionals to stay true to their calling in serving the sick.Leaders and supporters share smiles and gifts during the Nursing Orientation Program graduation ceremony.
And reminded them that this was a calling from God and a career that was very challenging.
So it required their utmost commitment and dedication to ensure that they treated their patients well.
“I take my hat off to you all.”
Opportunities
The Minister revealed opportunities for the medical profession including nurses.
And that came to light when he attended a meeting in Manila recently where deliberations were around how the Government of the Philippines can assist Pacific Island countries.
Valasi told the graduates that these opportunities included the sharing of nurses and specialists (doctors) to Pacific Island countries including Samoa.
The opportunity is a result of an initiative by the Government of Samoa to the Minister of Health of the Philippines if they can assist with medical specialists for the treatment of illnesses that commonly see people go overseas to be treated for.
“And now other Pacific Island countries have benefited from this.”
According to the Minister, the Philippines has 951,105 registered nurses and the standard of qualifications are very high.
He said the nursing universities in the Philippines are some of the prestigious in the world.
Many of their nurses are specialists; cardiology nurse practitioner, paediatric nurse practitioner and other areas.
The outcome of that meeting he attended is that nurses and doctors from the Pacific, including Samoa, now have the opportunity to study in the Philippines in specialised medical areas that are especially a challenge in the region.
“I believe if you serve with honesty in your callings as nurses you will also be blessed with this opportunity.”
Valasi also urged the graduates to serve with a smile and to keep their weight in order to ensure there is no criticism directed at them since their work involves the promotion of healthy eating across Samoa.
