CatSU CHS holds 2nd Clinical Graduation
CollegesThe Catanduanes State University's College of Health Sciences (CHS) conducted its 2nd Nursing Clinical Graduation at the CatSU gymnasium on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The ceremony commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration led by Father Eric John T. Rojas at the Risen Christ Chapel.
After the Mass, the opening ceremony proceeded with a warm welcome from CHS Dean, Prof. Joel T. Olfindo. Prof. Mary Ellaine T. Tapel presented the candidates for Clinical Graduation, followed by the symbolic lighting of the Nightingale's Lamp, led by former College Dean and Senior Faculty, Prof. Janet B. Lim, MAN.
One of the notable highlights of the clinical rites was the Ring Hop Ceremony, where the student-nurses, assisted by Dean Olfindo and Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, CatSU President, received their academic rings alongside completion certificates.
During his address to the student-nurses and parents, Dr. Azanza reflected on the significant steps taken by the administration since the beginning of his term. These included reducing RLE (Related Learning Experience) fees by at least 50%, making CatSU one of the SUCs (State Universities and Colleges) in the country with the lowest RLE rates. He also highlighted curriculum advancements, such as the hiring of 30 new permanent faculty nurses.
Dr. Azanza mentioned a 30-million budget allocated for facility improvement, with 15 million specifically designated for Nursing equipment. He emphasized the transparent bidding process, which was streamed live on the official university Facebook page. Moreover, he revealed that the savings from the bidding process would be utilized to purchase additional equipment with advanced technologies for future batches.
The president underscored the institutionalization of all college business systems, including the procurement of students' books, stethoscopes, uniforms, and related items. This process would be managed by the Corporate Business Operations (CBO), the university's designated main office for transactions. Dr. Azanza emphasized that transactions should not involve third-party agents such as faculty members and reminded parents to transact directly with the CBO.
"Gabos na mga pagbabagong ini satuyang inintroduce pero an sakuya talaga na main objective aside from improving the learning is to make sure that you are able to practice your profession. And this event is one step forward to that," he said.
"Let the rings remind you of your commitment to service. But before you can serve, you must hurdle one big challenge, and that is the board exam," added Dr. Azanza.
Dr. Azanza also shared more positive news, including a 15-million budget for the advancement of college buildings and classrooms, the establishment of a Health Science Complex near the Nutrition and Dietetics Department building, the transformation of a cottage into a birthing hospital for student exposure, and the provision of assistance to students during their affiliation stage outside the province.
Concluding his speech, Dr. Azanza reminded the student-nurses to maintain focus.
"Focus kita because when we pass that November board exam, each one of you will be a proud nurse of the country. And dae nyo sana tabi paglingawan pag kamo nurse na, enot an mga magurang nag-paadal saindo, second, an bansa na Pilipinas na libre ang edukasyon na tinao saindo, ibig sabihin ang service ta sa kapwa tao, perming isapuso."
He also expressed gratitude to parents for their unwavering trust and confidence in the university's commitment to providing the best education for their children.
Ms. Salve V. Tabo, Chief Nurse of the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC), served as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker for the event. In her message, she emphasized the ethical obligations of being a nurse and the importance of maintaining personal and professional growth.
"Let us not forget first and foremost, the submission and dedication to our profession, with all our heart and mind," she said.
She further encouraged the students to be guided by their learnings and conscience, to do what is right and just in the field of health services.
During the ceremony, several awards were
presented to the students, including the Leadership Award, Achievement Award,
Best in RLE Award, Best in Case Study, Best in Thesis, and Outstanding Student
Nurse. This batch's pride is Allysa Patrice C. Benavidez as the Outstanding
Student Nurse.
Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered a motivational speech. Dr. Acedo, along with Dean Olfindo, Dr. Alma V. Tabirara (Program Chair), and Prof. Tapel (Clinical Supervisor), presented the awards and certificates.
The Clinical Graduation marked the culmination
of the students' clinical exposure in hospitals and the community for the Class
of 2023. Over four years, the 136 students completed a total of 2,703 duty
hours, fulfilling a requirement for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing
degree. This is the second Clinical Graduation held since the pandemic,
following the first one in January 2023 for batch 2022. #CIV
