Manipal College of Nursing and Manipal School of Nursing Manipal have conducted various activities in commemoration of International Nurses' Day 2024, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. The theme selected by the International Council of Nurses for 2024 is "Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care."

The formal event took place on May 10, 2024, at the Dr. TMA Pai Hall, 1st Floor, KMC, Manipal. Dr. Judith A Noronha, the Dean of Manipal College of Nursing, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Mrs. Ranjani P, serving as the convenor for International Nurses Day, presented a comprehensive report detailing the various activities conducted as part of the occasion. These activities included poetry writing, elocution contests, collage and poster competitions.

A workshop focusing on skill updates in first aid and basic CPR, a television interview segment, and a session discussing the theme of Nurses' Day as prescribed by the International Council of Nurses were also conducted.

Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose, Associate Dean of Manipal College of Nursing, introduced the esteemed chief guest. Dr. Anand Venugopal, the Chief Operating Officer of Teaching Hospitals at MAHE, Manipal, emphasized in his address the invaluable role nurses play in patient care, highlighting the significant time spent with patients. He commended Manipal College of Nursing for its commitment to disciplined and high-quality training and praised Kasturba Hospital for providing a rich multidisciplinary learning environment for students. Dr. Anand Venugopal stressed the importance of ensuring that nurses have access to necessary facilities and resources.

Two distinguished nurses, Ms. Vivian Wilfred Soans, a retired Staff Nurse from Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and Mrs Sakamma, a retired ANM staff member from Rural Maternity and Child Welfare Home, Kadekar, were honoured for their outstanding contributions to patient welfare and community care services, as well as their support for student learning. Dr. Leena Sequira, Principal of Manipal School of Nursing, highlighted the accomplishments of these honoured nurses. Prizes were awarded to the winners of various competitions including poetry writing, elocution, collage, and poster design, all centered around the theme of International Nurses' Day 2024. Dr. Savitha Prabhu, Co-Convener, extended gratitude through the vote of thanks.

Dr. Devina E Rodrigues, Professor from the Department of Community Health Nursing at Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, delivered an impactful session centered around the theme "Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care." She underscored the crucial role nurses play within the healthcare system, advocating for a profound reevaluation and appreciation of their profession. Dr. Rodrigues emphasized the nurturing touch of nurses, characterized by boundless compassion and unwavering dedication, as indispensable in addressing patients' complex needs. She highlighted the paramount importance of investing in high-quality nursing education programs and stressed the urgent need to prioritize nurse retention, considering the substantial resources invested in recruitment, training, and placement. Dr. Rodrigues articulated the significance of retaining skilled nursing professionals to ensure seamless continuity and uncompromised quality of care. The session concluded with a video showcasing the pivotal role of a nurse practitioner, followed by an engaging discussion that further enriched the discourse. The event concluded with a series of cultural performances presented by both students and faculty members of Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) and Manipal School of Nursing (MSON) at MAHE, Manipal. The activity is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.