GINA (Georgia Indian Nurses Association) Celebrates Nurses Week
Vidya Kanagaraj (center) receiving the Nurse of the Year Award from GINA President Lilly Anickat and chief guest Carolyn Holder.
The Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) celebrated Nurses’ Week at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Lilburn on Friday, April 29, 2016. The well attended event was filled with camaraderie. The program started with a small prayer led by Fr. Mathew Elayadathamadam. Ms. Shirley Parayil and Mrs. Deepthy Varghese emceed the program with great verve and enthusiasm.
Lighting of the nilavilakku, the traditional lamp used in Kerala, was done by Fr. Mathew, chief guest Ms. Carolyn Holder, GINA President Mrs. Lilly Anickat, ex-GINA President Mary Jose, and the executive committee members of GINA. GINA general body members sang the Indian National anthem followed by US national anthem sung by Ms. Jasmine Anickat. Ms. Lilly Anickat in her welcome address encouraged nurses to take full advantage of the association’s programs such as networking, professional and leadership development, CPR training, education for CE credits, volunteering opportunities, etc. She also invited nurses and nursing students to the 5th biannual education conference of NAINA, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, in Chicago on October 21 and 22.
Chief guest Ms. Carolyn Holder MN, APRN-BC, CCRN, CCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Critical Care/ Pulmonary at Emory University Hospital, spoke on the “Culture of Safety.” She pointed out that a culture of safety fosters transparency and accountability and brings better results. She emphasized the importance of team work and effective communication for patient safety. It was a very informative talk, interesting not only to nurses but also to their families and guests who were part of the audience.
In a special ceremony, each nurse was recognized with a rose for their services. Those who had made professional advancements and achievements received certificates. Mrs. Vidya Kanagaraj won the “GINA Nurse of the Year” award. Mr. Allen Shpigel from Shpigel Financial Group, Mr. Prakash Joseph from GAMA, Ms. Vandana Thakkar from Softpath Systems, and Ms. Sheela Pothumana from Clinical Laboratory Services made felicitation speeches and recognized nurses for their service and support in the community.
Lisa Pius and Jasmine Anickat sang beautiful songs dedicated to all nurses. Suja Moonjeli surprised everyone with her amazing solo dance performance. Sneha Cletus’ group dance and Meena Joseph’s Hindi song elicited enthusiastic applause. Mrs. Jecy Mathew, the secretary of GINA, delivered a vote of thanks and the celebration was concluded with NAINA’s 5th Biennial National Conference registration kick off and a delicious dinner.
GINA members with chief guest Carolyn Holder.
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