NIHSS Graduation Ceremony - Seychelles produces 62 more health professionals |02 May 2015

• Tania Adrienne best student

Tania Adrienne has come out as overall best student as Seychelles has produced 62 more health professionals.

She and her colleagues graduated from the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS} during a ceremony which was held at the University of Seychelles (Unisey) Auditorium at Anse Royale on Thursday afternoon.

In the absence of President James Michel, Miss Adrienne -- who had been following a three-year Diploma in Nursing -- received the traditional President’s cup reserved for outstanding school performers from the hands of Vice-President Danny Faure. As other prizes she also received a laptop from the country’s president, a scholarship for further studies from the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD) and a communication package from Cable and Wireless.

She is also the best student from the Diploma in Nursing group along with Flavie Dubel and Natasha Julienne. Flavie Dubel was also the best in midwifery.

Among the 62 health students who graduated on Thursday, 18 have received a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing advanced practice. The degree which is delivered with the collaboration of the University of Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa, offers specialisations in community as well as critical trauma nursing and midwifery.  The other 44 students had been following diploma courses.

The other students who have come out as best in their respective fields of study are: Chikita Morin (community nursing), Flora Ah-Thion (critical care and trauma nursing), Hillary Desir and Michelette Albert (environmental health sciences), Stephie René and Anniella Capricieuse (dental hygiene), Christy Bristol and Kimberley Mémé (physiotherapy), Tracy Larue (pharmaceutical health services). For her courageous effort, Jessica Rosalie was rewarded as the best improved student.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie, Minister for Health Mitcy Larue and other government ministers, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, Dean of the School of Nursing and Public Health of the University of Kwa Zulu Natal Professor Busisiwe Ncama, health officials, lecturers and parents.

In a message addressed to the graduates, Minister Larue has reminded them of their important roles and responsibilities in society as health professionals.

“The programmes you have taken are to make you efficient and reflective professionals. This puts the onerous responsibility on you, in light with your special knowledge and skills, to make a significant impact in our national life,” the minister has said.

She has told them that working with people involves empathy and the ability to understand the feelings and circumstances of others.

Before walking away with their certificate to join the world of work, the new health professionals solemnly pledged to maintain utmost respect for human life and to practice with conscience and dignity for the wellbeing of their clients without any political, religious, racial or social considerations.