Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Indian Nurses Association (AZINA) celebrated ‘National Nurses’ Day on May 11 th 2024, at the International Assembly of God Church Hall in Chandler, Arizona with grandeur. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of chief guest Mrs. Carolyn Jo McCormies, the current President of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Other dignitaries, Dr. Rosa Norris, President of the Black Nurses Association of Greater Phoenix Chapter (keynote speaker), Dr. Erlinda Singarajah, former President of the Philippine Nurses Association, and Dr. Roy Cherian, Senior Pastor of the International Assembly of God felicitated the gathering. 

 

 

The official ceremony began with a prayer song by Karen Koshy and Aneeta Mathew, followed by the American National Anthem. Sincy Thomas and Lakshmi Nair sang the Indian National Anthem. The guests inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp. Elizabeth Sunil Sam, President of AZINA delivered welcome and presidential speech. She highlighted the growth and success of the organization in the past year and the future directions of the organization.

 

 

In her inaugural speech, chief guest Mrs. Carolyn McCormies applauded AZINA’s contributions to the nursing profession and the community. She offered her guidance and support for the organization’s future activities as well. Other guests also encouraged and appreciated AZINA’s work, sharing anecdotes that the fellow nurses could readily relate to.

 

 

AZINA Nursing Excellence award 2024 in Advanced Practice Nursing category (APRN) were presented to Rachel Jacob and Mini Sudhir. The award winners for the nursing category were Preethi Sanga and Aruna Rachel. Certificates and trophies were presented by the dignitaries in recognition of excellent service in their respective nursing fields.

 

 

During the presidential speech, AZINA members who have received notable awards at work and school were acknowledged and commended.  The National Association of Indian Nurses in America (NAINA) “Nurses Stewardship 2024 “ award winners were the AZINA education committee chair, Mary Biju and Bylaw Chair, Sincy Thomas. Lakshmi Nair, Vice President of AZINA, received the prestigious Gary Brown Community Service scholarship award from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Linnet Sebastian received “Excellence in Professionalism” award for unwavering commitment in her profession as an Adult Nurse practitioner at the Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix. Jolly Thomas was presented the prestigious “Daisy Foundation award” for her exemplary patient care and contributions to nursing/AMHI project by the Phoenix VA. In 2023, Suma Jacob was honored with “Make a Difference” award from NAINA in appreciation of her exceptional care of patients and dedication to the nursing profession.

 

 

The youth volunteers of AZINA’s Mental Health Initiative (AMHI) performed a skit to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol among school children and teens. AZINA members marked the occasion by cutting a cake in celebration of AZINA’s 4 th year and nurses day. During this event, youth volunteers and nurses were awarded certificates in appreciation of their valuable time and dedication towards AZINA. 

 

 

Masters of ceremony were Anitha Binu, Treasurer and Jessy Abraham, Election committee chair. Nursing related Trivia added fun and entertainment to the event. The meeting adjourned with vote of thanks from Seema Nair, Secretary of AZINA, followed by refreshments and networking.

 

 

The AZINA leadership extends sincere gratitude to all the nurses and families as well as AMHI volunteers and parents attended the event and contributed to its great success. AZINA is grateful to all the sponsors for their support and contributions. Thanks to the unwavering dedication and meticulous planning of the AZINA leadership team, AZINA orchestrated a memorable gathering of Indian nurses from the valley to commemorate the 2024 National Nurses Day.