The oath taking ceremony of the 8th Batch (2011/2012) of B.Sc. Nursing students was held at the Anatomy Auditorium, Faculty of Medical Sciences on 18th December 2014 from 9.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.
The oath is taken by the nursing students in their 2nd year after successfully completing the theoretical and practical components of the subject, Fundamentals of Nursing in their Part 1 examination. It is a solemn ceremony where the nursing undergraduates take their oath after receiving their cap and the lamp. The cap symbolizes the sisterhood of nurses all over the world while the lamp with three wicks is symbolic of head, hands and heart. It is the Lamp of Love and Service.
The purpose of taking the oath is to make the students understand their duties and responsibilities as professionals. After this solemn ceremony it is expected that the students will have greater confidence in caring for their patients. The oath adapted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was composed by Mrs. Trixie Marthenesz, one of the first nursing graduates in the 1950s.
The uniqueness of nursing as a humanitarian service was highlighted by the special guest Dr. Kerstin Samarasinghe, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, School of Health & Society, Kristianstad University, Sweden, in her address to the students. She also reminded the students to make a difference in the lives of their patients by alleviating suffering and facilitating healing.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Prof. Sampath Amaratunga was the Chief Guest. The Dean, Prof. Surangi G. Yasawardene and members of the academic staff, Faculty of Medical Sciences, administrative staff of the University, students, their parents and well wishers participated in the event.
Members of the Senior Nursing Staff from the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Jayewardenepura General (Teaching) Hospital and National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, who facilitate the students in their clinical training, donned the caps on the oath taking students. The Coordinator B.Sc. Nursing and the organizing committee greatly appreciate those who supported in making this event a great success.
