Every nursing graduation ceremony is an important occasion for everyone that has been in some way involved – be it the students themselves, their lecturers, their family, their sponsors, or whoever. This is the reason why we come together and, in a formal manner, acknowledge their achievement.
An American poet Maya Angelou made the following statement about nurses: “They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Indeed, I agree with Maya Angelou, as today, we live in a world which is increasingly becoming hostile to life. The dignity of life is challenged everywhere. People are being reduced to labels, numbers, and even objects. It is in this context that our Nurses are called to nurture life, value life, cherish life, and bring health and healing to the world. Over the years, you will come across thousands of patients. They and their families will be incredibly grateful for your great work, even if they do not remember your name, and that is what’s most important.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2023, today, we gather here to celebrate not only your accomplishments but also your remarkable journey as students of the Arawa School of Nursing.
Dana Basem a Qatar Cancer Society cofounder of individuals living with cancer- support department, had this to say about nursing profession: “Being a nurse means to hold all your own tears and start drawing smiles on people’s faces.”
Thus, today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the grandaunts. This is indeed a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I stand here in awe of your commitment to the nursing profession, a calling unlike any other. Nurse, healer, caregiver and drawing smiles on people’s faces —these are the roles you have embraced, and through your skills and compassion, you will save lives and make a profound difference in the world.
Today is not only a day for congratulations but also a day for gratitude. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the tireless lecturers and staff of the College, the hospital staff, parents, guardians, and your fellow graduands. Without their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement, this achievement would not have been possible. They have been the pillars of strength, shaping you into the remarkable individuals you are today.
Dr. Jean Watson, Founder/Director: Watson Caring Science Institute: Distinguished Professor Emerita and Dean Emerita, University of Colorado Denver, College of Nursing, Anschutz Medical Center said: “Nurses are a unique kind. They have this insatiable need to care for others, which is both their biggest strength and fatal flaw.”
The nursing profession is about discipleship and call to serve with perseverance in Jesus Christ’s mission holds significant meaning and serves as a guiding principle for the graduates of Arawa School of Nursing. Let us delve into its deeper meaning and implications.
Discipleship refers to the act of following and learning from a revered figure or mentor – Jesus Christ. In this context, it represents the graduates’ commitment to their chosen profession, nursing, and their dedication to the teachings and principles of their mentors in the field. As Jesus Christ ‘s disciples of nursing, you are called to embody the values of compassion, empathy, integrity, and professionalism in their daily practice.
This profession also emphasizes the call to serve. Nursing is not merely a profession; it is Jesus Christ calling. Graduates are called to use their knowledge and skills to care for those in need, to alleviate suffering, and to promote health and well-being in their communities. Serving others with selflessness and a genuine desire to make a positive difference lies at the core of their vocation.
Perseverance plays a vital role Jesus Christ’s mission for you as His disciple. The nursing profession can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. It requires strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges. Perseverance reminds the graduates to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, to continue growing and learning, and to persist in His and yours mission of providing quality healthcare and improving health outcomes.
Carrie Latet a writer, she describe nursing profession in a few words: “A nurse will always give us hope, an angel with a stethoscope.”
The phrase “His Mission” refers to a higher purpose, transcending individual desires and goals. It signifies the graduates’ commitment to align your actions and work with a greater mission, which may include advancing the well-being of their patients, promoting social justice, or contributing to the overall betterment of healthcare systems in Papua New Guinea. By embracing ” Jesus Christ’s Mission,” graduates acknowledge the sacred nature of their work and the responsibility they bear towards others.
Today, we also celebrate the opening of the new four lecturer rooms and administration offices—a symbol of growth, progress, and the bright future that lies ahead. This facility shall be witness to the countless stories of resilience, perseverance, and triumph that will unfold within its walls. It will serve as a please for academic excellence, good governance, fostering not only academic growth but also lifelong friendships and companionship.
Congratulations on the completion of the new lecturer rooms and administration offices for staff and students! This achievement is undoubtedly a significant milestone for your institution. The availability of additional teaching and learning facilities will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your capacity to enroll more students and, in turn, graduate a higher number of nurses. This development holds several advantages and implications for your institution and the healthcare community as a whole.
However, as you proceed with enrolling more students and graduating more nurses, it is crucial to ensure that the quality of education and clinical training remains uncompromised. Maintaining rigorous standards, fostering a supportive learning environment, and providing adequate resources and faculty are vital to producing competent and skilled nurses who can deliver high-quality care.
The completion of the new lecturer rooms and administration offices signifies a significant step forward for your institution. It opens doors to increased enrollment, enhanced access to education, a strengthened learning community, and the graduation of more nurses. This accomplishment contributes to addressing the nursing workforce shortage and positively impacts healthcare provision in your community.
Graduates, as you embark on this next chapter of your lives, remember that knowledge alone is not enough. It is the combination of your newly acquired knowledge, your unwavering dedication, and the values instilled in you that will set you apart. Strive for excellence in all that you do, embrace lifelong learning, and never lose sight of the noble purpose which brought you here today.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations once again, and I leave you with this thought: Each one of you, as graduates of the Arawa School of Nursing, has been called to be not only disciples of healing but also beacons of hope. Your journey has just begun, and I am confident that you will serve with perseverance, compassion, and love in His mission.
Wherever you go in life, never forget how much this College has given you, and how you will always be connected to it and to each other. I would like to share a quote from Mother Theresa with you to conclude my speech.
“It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.” – Mother Teresa
The path you have chosen, to serve the people of Papua New Guinea, is one of honor and duty. You will work tirelessly to improve health outcomes, to bring comfort to the sick, and to celebrate the miracle of life. Your dedication to your patients will be a beacon of light in their darkest hours.
