The programme started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem. The opening speeches were delivered by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. S. Arda Öztürkcan, Faculty of Health Sciences Vice Asst. Prof. Yüksel Barut and Head of Nursing Department Asst. Prof. Mahruk Rashidi made the opening speeches. In their speeches, the place of the nursing profession in human life, its importance in the health system and its changing roles in the developing world were emphasised. The speakers addressed the nursing students and stated that the love and commitment to their profession will make them valuable for both the individual and the society.
In the continuation of the event, Istanbul University Oncology Institute Nursing Services Manager M.Sc. Hülya Dalkılıç took the floor. Ms. Hülya shared her experiences in her professional life in a sincere way and emphasised that being a nurse is not only about technical knowledge and skills; it requires empathy, patience, dedication and responsibility. In her speech addressed to the students, she emphasised the sacred aspects of the nursing profession by conveying the realities in the field and the difficulties encountered. Students had the opportunity to deepen their awareness of the profession thanks to this valuable sharing.
Then PhD Demet Yurtsever,Director of Health Care Services at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, was invited to the lectern. In her speech, Yurtsever emphasised the importance of empowerment and professional autonomy in nursing and stated that the more active participation of nurses in decision-making processes positively affects both the quality of patient care and the reputation of the profession. Explaining the contributions of education, authorisation and support mechanisms to the nursing profession with examples, Yurtsever emphasised how decisive the strong nurse figure is in the health system of the future.
In the session, which was followed with great interest of the participants, the current position of nursing, its future orientations and its critical role in health systems were discussed in many ways. The speeches were both guiding for nursing students and created an inspiring atmosphere for professionals working in the field. At the end of the panel, Ms. Hülya and Ms. Demet, who sincerely shared their valuable knowledge and experiences, were honoured for their contributions by presenting a plaque of appreciation.
In the second part of the program, the theatre show titled ‘An Internship Day’ staged by the theatre group consisting of nursing students was highly appreciated. The show impressively brought the difficulties, emotional moments and professional development processes of nursing students during the internship period to the stage. The show, which witnessed both entertaining and thought-provoking moments, received long applause from the audience and revealed the commitment of nursing students to the profession.
AGÂH Music Group took the stage after the theatre performance and added enthusiasm to the event with their performance. The music concert was a meaningful finale where the participants were uplifted and emotionally connected. The group created a fun and motivating atmosphere with its colourful stage performance and gave the audience pleasant moments.
This special event once again reminded the social value of the nursing profession and contributed to the visibility of the sacrifices and efforts of healthcare professionals. The participants expressed that they will continue to keep the meaning and importance of Nurses' Day alive with similar events in the coming years and left the organisation with satisfaction.
