College witnesses first graduation

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday February 21st, 2014

 MENDI School of Nursing principal Sister Lucy Langer watched with pride and satisfaction as 61 students graduated with diplomas in general nursing on Wednesday.

“I am so proud to see the 61 nursing officers graduate after it was shut down for nine years,” she said.

The nursing college was established in 1979 and the first enrolment of students pursuing a certificate in general nursing was introduced in 1983. But it was forced to close in 2002 because of tribal fights. It was reopened in 2011.

Langer said it was the only nursing training institution in Southern Highlands and placed a  high demand on its intakes.

She said health indicators and predictions from 2011 to 2020 showed a decline in health standards in the province.

“Our focus is on improving and building the workforce to treat and care for patients. That is our business in the health industry,” she said.

She said the graduates chose to be nurses because it was their calling from God.

“I am providing the workers, it is now up to the employing agents to absorb them into the workforce if we are to achieve Vision 2050 and beyond,” she said.

Mendi General Hospital chief executive officer Joseph Turian said nursing was a noble profession because it dealt with peoples’ lives.

He said the hospital had 38 vacant positions for nurses.

“Whether you have the wisdom and knowledge, you have made it and you are servant for the people, the very poor people living in the remotest part of the province,” he said.