Annual conference provides a global platform for advancements in nursing care and education
The global nursing community united in a call for enhanced funding and standardised curriculum in the nursing sector to ensure robust infrastructure and consistent, high-quality education. This plea was made at NURSICON 2023, the 10th Annual and 2nd International Nursing Conference held on November 3 and 4, 2023. The event was organised by the nursing department of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) Delhi.
NURSICON 2023, themed ‘Shaping the Future of Cancer Care: Innovations and Best Practices in Oncology Nursing,’ brought together an assembly of nursing administrators, nursing educators, nursing clinical instructors, infection control nurses, registered nurses, and nursing students alongside prominent doctors and oncology health experts, nationally and internationally.
D. S. Negi, CEO, RGCIRC, said, “NURSICON is a flagship event of RGCIRC and has firmly established itself as a premier platform for focused discussions and promoting education. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and deliberate on new practice updates, opportunities, and challenges around oncology nursing.”
“Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on enhancing knowledge related to chemotherapy-induced side effects, improving communication skills for comprehensive patient care, and nurturing a culture of patient safety, all integral components of nursing education,” Negi added.
Speaking at the conference, Col. Madhumita Dhall, Director-Nursing at RGCIRC, emphasised the pivotal role of oncology nursing in addressing the global healthcare challenge presented by cancer.
Col. Dhall stated, “Oncology nursing presents diverse roles, including direct patient care, family education, clinical research, and specialised fields such as paediatric oncology, radiation oncology, bone marrow transplant, medical oncology, and hemato-oncology. Nurses in these roles administer treatments, manage symptoms, and provide crucial support, especially in end-of-life care.”
“The conference featured in-depth discussions on advances in personalized medicine, integration of technology, precision nursing, survivorship care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing research and education in the field. The speakers emphasised the enduring importance of emotional support and patient advocacy to ensure comprehensive care,” added Col. Dhall
Key takeaways from the panel discussion on “Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice” was the imperative of government policy intervention to address pressing challenges in India’s nursing sector. Proposed policy changes include increased funding for nursing education and infrastructure, implementation of a standardised curriculum for consistent, high-quality education, strengthening of regulatory bodies and accreditation mechanisms, adequate number of qualified faculties and good clinical exposures for student nurses.
“Competitive compensation packages to attract and retain nursing talent, the promotion of nursing research and evidence-based practice, strategic workforce planning to address shortages in various specialities and regions, and the provision of mental health support for nurses dealing with high-stress healthcare environments will significantly enhance the quality and capacity of the nursing sector to meet the global population’s healthcare needs,” explained Prof (Dr) Bimla Kapoor, Member of the Board of Studies and Examiner of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD in Nursing at several universities [Tribhuvan University Nepal, Delhi University, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)].
Thankam Gomez, Founder & CEO of Cygnia Healthcare, shared an overview of the various challenges facing the nursing sector in India. These challenges encompass a shortage of qualified nurses, inadequate infrastructure and resources, low wages, a lack of standardisation in nursing education, and a heavy workload.