ENEI nurses’ graduation ceremony
Great excitement prevailed at the Civic Centre last Tuesday at the graduation ceremony of the nursing class of 2013.
There were 33 nurses from the Esda Nursing Education Institution whose dreams came true when they finally completed the requirements for their auxiliary nursing certificates.
Principal Yolande Els quoted the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who once said, ‘The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet’, during her overview of the institution.
The school was started in 1980 by Maureen Wright, who was a matron at Esda Old Age Home and has since grown in learner numbers from about four learners to 130 last year.
“I congratulate the class for their commitment and excellent achievements,” said the principal, “It is a wonderful experience to set a goal for yourself and then to receive the reward.”
She added the students worked hard although it wasn’t always easy.
Nineteen of the students obtained distinctions in theory and seven in clinical practical, whereas 16 learners passed with honours.
Yolande said to pass with honours is when the average between the theory and practical is 75% and above, however, two learners achieved a theoretical mark above 90%.
As the students climbed on stage to receive their certificates, their family’s jubilation over their loved ones’ achievements were overwhelmed.
The Esda choir bid the graduates farewell with a few appropriate blessed songs.
Teaching professional and skills developer Eugene Moonsamy was the guest speaker and he gave the graduates six rules on how to be successful.
First and foremost Eugene said they should trust themselves and have their eyes focused.
The second rule had everyone laughing when he said they must break some rules, but not the law.
“Go beyond the boundaries of your job,” he added.
The last four rules were not to be afraid, to work, work, work, to ignore negative people and to give something back.
He wished the students well in their endeavour and said people do not care about what you know, until they know how much you care.
During the lamp ceremony each nurse was given a candle and they all read the nurse’s pledge out loud.
The principal said they should not be content with what they have, but strive to excel in their field of interest.
“You can never be above what you have set yourself to be. If you can think it, you can dream it and if you can dream it, you can become it,” she said.
As the students left to go their different paths, Yolande blessed them and reminded them that the care they render, whether it is at home, in the community or at a hospital, must be their very best.
