Celebrating Nurses’ & Midwifery Week: A Reflection from My Time as President
When I look back on my time as President of UBaNAMSA, one of the most unforgettable highlights was leading the Nurses’ & Midwifery Week Celebration. What we organized wasn’t just an event; it was a movement, a reminder of who we are as caregivers, and a celebration of the resilience, skills, and compassion that define our profession.
A Day Full of Spirit and Energy
The program began at 10 a.m. with an opening prayer and the singing of the Nurses’ anthem, a moment that set the tone for the day. The hall was filled with excitement as students came together to participate in a lively quiz coordinated by our Academic officers. Friendly competition between groups across different levels created a sense of unity, joy, and pride in our shared journey.
Soon after, I had the honor of presenting my presidential address. My speech centered on the values that ground us as nurses and midwives, and on the year’s theme for the celebration. What followed was one of the most moving moments of the event: a poetic presentation titled “We Are Nurses.” Its message touched us deeply, reminding us of the noble calling we have embraced.
Learning, Building, and Growing
A central highlight of the day was the Capacity Building Workshop, facilitated by our Financial Secretary, Miss Bam Bam Berenice, a BSc holder in Biochemistry.
The first session covered key theoretical aspects such as:
- Types of laboratory tests
- Abbreviations commonly used in labs
- Normal blood volume ranges for key electrolytes
- Types of test tubes and anti-coagulants
- Safety precautions during lab work
After a short break complete with games, laughter, and a Rubik’s cube challenge, we dived into the practical session. Here, students gained hands-on experience in:
- Performing Rapid Diagnostic Tests for malaria
- Monitoring glycemia levels
- Conducting pregnancy urinalysis with HCG strips
- Setting up intravenous (IV) lines
- Performing dipstick urinalysis
The engagement, curiosity, and energy in the room were inspiring. Watching students connect theory with practice reminded me why such capacity-building sessions are vital for future health professionals.
Beyond Skills: A Celebration of Joy and Togetherness
No celebration is complete without joy, and we made sure to include moments of lightness and laughter. From the musical interlude to snapshots, group photos, and refreshment breaks, the atmosphere was filled with bonding and camaraderie.
Of course, we faced a few challenges insufficient workshop materials, no backdrop for branding, and minor logistics issues with refreshments. But if anything, those challenges only highlighted the resilience and adaptability of our community.
A Lasting Impact
As the day closed at 2:35 p.m., I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the team of executives who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, for the students who participated with enthusiasm, and for the spirit of unity that carried us through.
For me, this celebration was more than a program. It was a symbol of what’s possible when we combine knowledge, service, and joy. It was a reminder that nursing and midwifery are not just professions, they are callings that demand both skill and heart.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the Nurses’ & Midwifery Week Celebration during my presidency remains a treasured memory. It reflected not only the progress we had made as a community but also the bright future that awaits us as we continue to grow, learn, and serve.
