25.5.2021

Lady with the lamp, celebrations and future caregivers

International Nurses' Day was also celebrated by nursing students at the BANC boarding school. It is commemorated worldwide on 12 May, in memory of the birth of Florence Nightingale (1820). This English nurse, nicknamed the Lady with the Lamp, saved thousands of patients and laid the foundations of modern patient care. What were the celebrations like and what was behind the nickname of Lady Florence?

International Nurses' Day

The day's celebrations began with the swearing-in of the nursing profession, based on a draft by Florence Nightingale. The students dramatically portrayed her life story in the ceremony, performed a "hand hygiene" dance, and accompanied by the singing of the teachers, were ceremonially separated to study nursing.

The chief guest at this social event was the founder and CEO of Khawaja Badrudduja Modern Hospital, Dr Md. Bakhtiar. In his welcome address, he encouraged the students for the meritorious work of nursing, pledged financial support for joint events, promotion of the school and employment of their graduates. Thus, the students can study with the knowledge of a unique mission and a bright prospect in the life of getting employment in the field of study.

The Principal of BASC Boarding School, Dr R. P. Bala, also encouraged the students to be committed to the mission and to study hard.

The unique mission and challenges of today

Since its inception, BANC (Bangladesh Adventist Nursing College) has been instilling in its students the idea that the mission of nurses is to take care of the health of patients in a holistic manner. Their professional care, kindness, immense patience, smile and kind words, bring encouragement, comfort, hope and health to thousands of their sick fellow citizens. It is not only the medicines but the highly professional care of the nurses that contribute significantly to the recovery of the hospitalized. And for nurses, there is no greater joy than seeing their patients make progress and recover.

Nurses and midwives in Bangladesh are committed to expanding their nursing specialities into practice, the new challenge, of course, being the care of patients with covid-19. But whether they are advanced practice specialists, certified nurse anaesthetists, clinical care specialists, or midwives with advanced training and experience, all can find inspiration in Florence Nightingale's pioneering work to further shape nursing care.

Legacy of Florence Nightingale

We owe Florence Nightingale a great deal today. She laid the foundations of modern nursing, introduced patient records and continuous care for the sick. With her dedication and loving attitude during the Crimean War, she became a role model for all nurses and even for the co-founder of the Red Cross, the creator of the first Geneva Convention and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jean Henri Dunant. So great was her influence.

The uniqueness of Florence Nightingale lies in the progressive measures she has introduced. Florence fought against patient fatigue, poor nutrition and difficult living conditions mainly through hygiene measures. Regular changes of bed linen, adequate lighting, regular ventilation, healthier diets and better dining facilities were some of the innovations. At the same time, it promoted the activity of the sick and improved the supply of medicines. All these measures brought greater chances of recovery for wounded and sick soldiers.

Lady with the lamp

And how did her nickname "The Lady with the Lamp" come about? It happened in a military hospital where she helped wounded soldiers. She regularly went with a small lamp to check on them during the dark nights. And for her tireless care, they nicknamed her the Lady with the lamp.

To our students at the BANC school, supported by the BanglaKids program (known as "children sponsoring of Bangladeshi children"), we wish that their contribution to the sick will be just as bright as Florence's care, compassion and love for wounded soldiers.

P.S.: "Anyone who is fortunate enough to be allowed to bring help and goodness should understand that he is receiving a great grace." (Florence Nightingale)


More information about program Support BanglaKids

BanglaKids is a development program of ADRA Czech Republic.
Since 1999 we have provided education to 6,500 children in Bangladesh.
Together, we’re giving them an opportunity for a better future.

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